Seizures or fits happen when brain cells fire or “talk” too much, temporarily disrupting the brain's normal electrical signals. They are quite common in infants and young children and may occur due to several reasons. If a child has two or more unprovoked seizures it is diagnosed as epilepsy. If parents notice a sudden change in the behaviour of a child or if a child suddenly stops responding to any stimuli, he or she may be getting a seizure. This sudden change may be followed by abnormal movements in the body. It is important to understand why such seizures occur and how they can be treated. The main causes of fits There are several reasons a child may get a seizure: Brain scar due to a birth injury: A head injury, birth trauma, or brain damage from illness can cause seizures. Fever: The most common cause of seizures in children is a fever, also known as a febrile seizure. A fever fit can cause a child to become unconscious and jerk their arms and legs. Infections: Infections from bacteria, viruses or microbes can cause seizures. Decreased energy supply to brain: Low glucose or sodium supply can cause a fit. Genetic: A genetic susceptibility to fits is a possible cause. Metabolic problems: Metabolic problems or chemical imbalances in the body can cause seizures. Sometimes the cause of a child's seizure is unknown. However even if the cause is unknown, treatment can help control the seizures. Fits seriously impact a child’s development, behavior, school performance and safety. Hence it is very important to immediately attend to a seizure and prevent its recurrence by all means. Treatment for fits Treatment for fits can be started once tests are administered to detect the exact cause. These could range from simple tests like blood tests (glucose, electrolytes, calcium, renal function and liver function tests) to an electroencephalogram (A common test that measures brain waves to identify abnormal electrical activity). Doctors could also recommend advanced molecular genetic tests. Sometimes a CT scan or an MRI can also be done. The tests will be chosen as per the child's seizure type. Medical science has made several advances in the research and discovery of new treatment modalities for seizures in the last few decades. These help in controlling fits without side effects. Some treatments include: Medicines: Usually the first line of treatment for epilepsy includes antiepileptic drugs, also called anti-seizure medications. Ketogenic diet: Sometimes a Ketogenic diet high in fats and low in carbohydrates can also be recommended. The diet helps the body produce ketones, which can aid control seizures in some children. Stimulation devices: Devices like Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), Responsive Neurostimulator (RNS), or Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) that send electrical currents to the brain can be used to stop seizures. Smart patches: This is a new technology that delivers medication through the skin. Surgery: In certain severe cases where fits occur several times a day, the genetic defect causing the severe seizures can be found out and the underlying cause can be surgically remedied. Epilepsy surgery could be of various kinds: Resection: Removing the area of the brain that causes seizures Ablation: Using a laser to destroy the seizure-causing lesion Disconnection: Cutting the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two sides of the brain Dr T Arulmozhi, Pediatric Neurologist, DCH, DNB Pediatrics, DNB Neurology at says, “By and large fits can easily be controlled with minimal medications and appropriate lifestyle modifications like adequate sleep and sleep hygiene.” If parents are aware of any triggers that lead to a seizure they can consciously avoid them. Medication should be strictly monitored by the caregiver. Seizures in children can be cured and provides the best and latest treatments for seizures designed to bring the smile back on their faces and the faces of their worried parents too! Disclaimer: This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement whatsoever by the editorial team. IE Online Media Services takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.
