Info on Epilepsy
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological or brain disorder. In this condition there is an sudden abnormal electrical activity of the brain that results in the scary fit. A fit is also known as a "seizure". The child may shake and stiffen. The eyes will be uprolled and the mouth may froth with bubbles. Sometimes the child will urinate during a fit and sleep after the fit has settled. Most fits settle in less than 5 minutes and are therefore not life threatening despite how scary the incident looks. When the child awakens there will be no recollection of the event. The fit that has been described is the commonest type of epilepsy known as Grand Mal Epilepsy. There are many many forms of epilepsy .
The forms or types of epilepsy are determined by a clinical description of the type of seizure experienced by the child. Thereafter a special test called an EEG or electroencephalogram is performed to assess the brain waves. This test often provides clues as to the type of epilepsy the child is experiencing. A MRI brain scan may be necessary.
The aim of medical treatment is to control the child's tendency to have seizures, so she / he can get on with normal activities and schooling. Avoid the things which may trigger seizures - do not over exert the child, avoid the heat, avoid distressing the child or any other triggers that you know can cause a seizure. Anti-epileptic drugs taken as directed by the doctor will help control the seizures. Do not stop the medication without your doctor's consent as this can prove life threatening.
The choice of anti epileptic drugs depends on the type of seizure and the side effect profile of the drugs. Paediatricians often choose the drug with the least side effects. An epileptic child will usually need to stay on anti-epileptic drugs until she/he has been free from seizures for at least two years. During this period close supervision is important to ensure that the child does not experience side effects and the seizures are well controlled. 8 out of 10 children with epilepsy lead a normal life.
Symptom & signs
Seizure
Role of the parents and school teacher
Helping a child with epilepsy involves telling him / her about his illness in a manner that the child can understand. As the child gets older he will need to learn to look after his own condition. Support the child and provide him with confidence. Let him know that you are always there to help.
A positive approach is essential in the education of an epileptic child. Most children can perform just as well as any other child. Do not assume that an epileptic is naturally dull - this is far from the truth. If indeed a child is not performing well discuss this with the parents to help identify the learning difficulty. Of course there are epileptics who have learning problems but these are usually mild and often can be overcome with special effort from teachers.
We would like to suggest that a child with epilepsy does not swim unless accompanied by their parents who must always be at an arms length from the child. Contact sports may not be appropriate for the child. Athletics on the other hand is encouraged as there is no danger to the child in the event of a fit.
Basic first aid in the event of an epileptic fit
* Do not panic.
* Remove the child from any dangerous furniture, away from the stairs and place child on the floor.
* Do not put a spoon in the mouth to keep it open. This is an outdated procedure. It may injure the oral cavity.
* Do not put your fingers into the mouth. Allow the teeth clenching to settle down by itself.
* Turn the child on to his or her side and do not restrain any of the legs or arms. Let the legs and arms shake or convulse.
* Send someone to call for help. Do not leave the child alone.
* The fit will stop soon. Do not panic.
* Cool child down by sponging with tap water. (do not use ice water)
* Consult doctor if you are uncertain.
* If the fit does not stop in 10 minutes take the child to a hospital or clinic.
Epilepsy is a neurological or brain disorder. In this condition there is an sudden abnormal electrical activity of the brain that results in the scary fit. A fit is also known as a "seizure". The child may shake and stiffen. The eyes will be uprolled and the mouth may froth with bubbles. Sometimes the child will urinate during a fit and sleep after the fit has settled. Most fits settle in less than 5 minutes and are therefore not life threatening despite how scary the incident looks. When the child awakens there will be no recollection of the event. The fit that has been described is the commonest type of epilepsy known as Grand Mal Epilepsy. There are many many forms of epilepsy .
The forms or types of epilepsy are determined by a clinical description of the type of seizure experienced by the child. Thereafter a special test called an EEG or electroencephalogram is performed to assess the brain waves. This test often provides clues as to the type of epilepsy the child is experiencing. A MRI brain scan may be necessary.
The aim of medical treatment is to control the child's tendency to have seizures, so she / he can get on with normal activities and schooling. Avoid the things which may trigger seizures - do not over exert the child, avoid the heat, avoid distressing the child or any other triggers that you know can cause a seizure. Anti-epileptic drugs taken as directed by the doctor will help control the seizures. Do not stop the medication without your doctor's consent as this can prove life threatening.
The choice of anti epileptic drugs depends on the type of seizure and the side effect profile of the drugs. Paediatricians often choose the drug with the least side effects. An epileptic child will usually need to stay on anti-epileptic drugs until she/he has been free from seizures for at least two years. During this period close supervision is important to ensure that the child does not experience side effects and the seizures are well controlled. 8 out of 10 children with epilepsy lead a normal life.
Symptom & signs
Seizure
Role of the parents and school teacher
Helping a child with epilepsy involves telling him / her about his illness in a manner that the child can understand. As the child gets older he will need to learn to look after his own condition. Support the child and provide him with confidence. Let him know that you are always there to help.
A positive approach is essential in the education of an epileptic child. Most children can perform just as well as any other child. Do not assume that an epileptic is naturally dull - this is far from the truth. If indeed a child is not performing well discuss this with the parents to help identify the learning difficulty. Of course there are epileptics who have learning problems but these are usually mild and often can be overcome with special effort from teachers.
We would like to suggest that a child with epilepsy does not swim unless accompanied by their parents who must always be at an arms length from the child. Contact sports may not be appropriate for the child. Athletics on the other hand is encouraged as there is no danger to the child in the event of a fit.
Basic first aid in the event of an epileptic fit
* Do not panic.
* Remove the child from any dangerous furniture, away from the stairs and place child on the floor.
* Do not put a spoon in the mouth to keep it open. This is an outdated procedure. It may injure the oral cavity.
* Do not put your fingers into the mouth. Allow the teeth clenching to settle down by itself.
* Turn the child on to his or her side and do not restrain any of the legs or arms. Let the legs and arms shake or convulse.
* Send someone to call for help. Do not leave the child alone.
* The fit will stop soon. Do not panic.
* Cool child down by sponging with tap water. (do not use ice water)
* Consult doctor if you are uncertain.
* If the fit does not stop in 10 minutes take the child to a hospital or clinic.
posted by Nurul Amani at 8/10/2006
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