Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are among the most common neurological conditions affecting children. These disorders occur when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes temporary disturbances in behavior, movement, or consciousness. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, our pediatric neurology team specializes in diagnosing and treating pediatric seizure disorders, providing families in Atlanta with expert care and personalized treatment plans. Early detection and management are key to helping children with seizure disorders lead full, active lives.
What Are Pediatric Seizure Disorders?
A seizure occurs when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, temporarily disrupting normal brain function. Seizures can vary in intensity and type, ranging from mild, brief episodes to more severe and prolonged events. In children, seizure disorders can be caused by various factors, including genetic conditions, brain injury, infections, or other underlying neurological issues. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
The most common type of seizure disorder in children is epilepsy, a condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. However, not all seizures indicate epilepsy, as some may be triggered by fevers (febrile seizures), infections, or metabolic imbalances.
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Types of Seizures in Children
Seizures in children can present in different ways, depending on the area of the brain affected. Understanding the type of seizure your child is experiencing helps guide treatment and management.
Common Types of Seizures Include:
Focal (partial) seizures
These seizures originate in one area of the brain and may cause symptoms such as jerking movements, changes in sensation, or altered awareness.
Generalized seizures
These seizures involve both sides of the brain and can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, or stiffening of the body.
Absence seizures
Sometimes referred to as “petit mal” seizures, these involve brief, sudden lapses in consciousness, often mistaken for daydreaming. Children may stare blankly for a few seconds and then resume normal activity.
Febrile seizures
Triggered by high fevers, febrile seizures are common in infants and young children and are typically brief and non-recurring once the fever subsides.
Symptoms of Seizure Disorders in Children
Seizure symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of seizure and the area of the brain affected. Common signs and symptoms of a seizure disorder in children include:
- Sudden convulsions or shaking that lasts from a few seconds to several minutes
- Staring spells or brief loss of consciousness where the child may appear to be daydreaming
- Uncontrolled movements such as jerking of arms or legs
- Sudden confusion or inability to respond to questions or stimuli
- Repetitive movements such as lip-smacking, eye blinking, or hand movements
- Sudden collapse or fainting
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a pediatric neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Diagnosing Seizure Disorders in Children
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, our pediatric neurologists use advanced diagnostic tools to assess and diagnose seizure disorders in children. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.
Common Diagnostic Tests Include:
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This test records the electrical activity of the brain and helps identify abnormal patterns that may indicate a seizure disorder.
MRI or CT scan
These imaging tests provide detailed images of the brain to detect any structural abnormalities, such as tumors, lesions, or areas of damage that could be causing seizures.
Blood tests
These tests may be used to identify underlying conditions such as infections, metabolic imbalances, or genetic disorders that could be contributing to the seizures.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Seizure Disorders
The goal of treating seizure disorders in children is to control seizures and minimize their impact on your child’s daily life. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Treatment Options Include:
Anti-seizure medications
These are often the first line of treatment for controlling seizures. The type of medication prescribed depends on the type of seizures your child is experiencing and their overall health. Medications help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Dietary therapies
For some children, special diets such as the ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet) can help control seizures that are resistant to medication.
Surgical intervention
In cases where seizures cannot be controlled by medication alone, surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the brain responsible for triggering seizures.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
This therapy involves implanting a device that stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce the frequency of seizures.
Our pediatric neurologists work closely with families to monitor treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed to ensure your child is receiving the best possible care.
Managing Seizure Disorders: Long-Term Care and Support
For many children with seizure disorders, long-term management is necessary to control symptoms and prevent complications. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your child’s progress, adjust treatments, and offer support to families navigating the challenges of living with a seizure disorder.
How We Support Families:
Education and resources
We provide families with information on how to manage seizures, recognize seizure triggers, and respond during a seizure episode.
Personalized care plans
Our pediatric neurologists develop individualized treatment plans that address your child’s specific needs and ensure their overall well-being.
Emotional support
We understand that managing a seizure disorder can be stressful, and we offer guidance and emotional support to families as they navigate the challenges of caring for a child with a neurological condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Seizure Disorders
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Some children may outgrow their seizures as they get older, particularly with conditions like febrile seizures or certain types of epilepsy. However, others may require lifelong management.
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Treatment often includes anti-seizure medications, dietary therapies, and in some cases, surgery or vagus nerve stimulation. Your pediatric neurologist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s specific condition.
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During a seizure, ensure your child is in a safe position, remove any nearby objects that could cause injury, and stay with them until the seizure subsides. Avoid putting anything in their mouth, and call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
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The need for long-term treatment depends on the type and severity of the seizure disorder. Some children may require ongoing medication, while others may be able to discontinue treatment after a period of being seizure-free.
Schedule an Appointment for Pediatric Seizure Disorder Care in Atlanta
If your child has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder or is showing symptoms of epilepsy, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule a consultation. Our pediatric neurologists provide expert care for children with seizure disorders, helping families in Atlanta manage their child’s condition and ensure the best possible outcomes.