Neonatal & Childhood Epilepsy
Neonatal & childhood epilepsy is a condition of seizures in infants, especially in the first month of life and up to early childhood. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder pertaining to unexpected and unprovoked seizures.
Causes
- Brain malformation
- Genetic disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Infections
- Exposure to medications
- Maternal infections
- Toxins
- Injuries during childbirth
Seizure Types
- Clonic seizures (repetitive jerking movements)
- Tonic seizures (stiffening of muscles)
- Myoclonic seizures (sudden muscle contractions)
- Absence seizure (brief period of staring and eye movements ) and more.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of childhood epilepsy involves -
- Careful monitoring of seizure activity
- Neurological examination
- EEG (electroencephalogram)
- Brain imaging (MRIs, CT scan)
- Genetic testing
- Lab testing to identify any further underlying cause.
Treatment
Treatment of epilepsy aims to control seizures in infants and children and minimize their impact on their development as well as quality of life.
For this, AEDs (antiepileptic drugs) are majorly prescribed.
Epilepsy surgery- This can be suggested in children with refractory epilepsy to multiple AEDs and wherein surgical procedure is possible.
Prognosis
The prognosis of neonatal & childhood) epilepsy depends on various factors including -
- Underlying cause
- Type of seizure
- Response to treatment and child’s neurological development.
- It is necessary to contact a pediatric neurologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment for ongoing epilepsy.