Epilepsy is a condition that causes periodic seizures over the course of the patient's life. Most cases of epilepsy manifest during childhood. Seizures and treatment options both come in many different forms for children with epilepsy.
Seizure Mechanism
Epileptic seizures in childhood are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, the Patient Education Institute explains. Because the brain controls a myriad of bodily functions, including consciousness and muscle movements, this abnormal electrical activity can lead to a variety of symptoms.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures, the Mayo Clinic notes, affect the entire brain of children. They can lead to muscle convulsions, sudden loss of muscle tone or a brief loss of consciousness.
Partial Seizures
Partial seizures involve only part of the child's brain. They do not lead to a loss of consciousness, but can cause alterations in consciousness, leading to abnormal emotions or changes in the senses.
Diagnosis
To diagnose epilepsy in children, doctors need to look at the child's medical history closely and determine what the seizures look like as well as the events that transpired just before the seizures occurred, the Epilepsy Foundation of America explains. An electroencephalogram, CT scan and MRI may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Epilepsy in children can be treated with special medications known as anticonvulsants. Some children also may benefit from surgery, a special diet or the implantation of a small device known as a vagus nerve stimulator.
