A Unique Child Health: A guide to ... Epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain. It involves 'disturbances' to the normal functioning of neurons (the nerve cells) in the brain which can cause seizures (or fits). Although epilepsy can start at any age, most cases will start during childhood.

Not all seizures are epileptic. For example, febrile convulsions can happen when a child is ill and has a fever or their body temperature rises quickly. A child who has a febrile convulsion does not usually have epilepsy.

What causes epilepsy?

In most cases the reason why a child develops epilepsy is unknown - this is caused idiopathic epilepsy. But some children may develop epilepsy because their brain has been injured in some way - this can happen if the child has a serious head injury, or may be because of an illness such as meningitis. Epilepsy may also be associated with metabolic or genetic disorders. When there is a known cause for a child's epilepsy, it is called symptomatic epilepsy.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

There are about 40 different types of seizures. What happens during a seizure will depend on what part of the brain is affected.

Seizures can cause:

- unusual sensations, such a funny taste in the mouth;

- convulsions - twitching/jerking movements in the body;

- confusion/strange behaviour;

- loss of consciousness.

With partial seizures, only part of the brain is affected. These are classed as:

- simple partial seizure;

- complex partial seizure.

Generalised seizures are when all or most of the brain is affected, such as:

- tonic clonic seizure;

- absence seizure;

- atonic seizure;

- myoclonic seizure.

Triggers

Some children can have a seizure without warning, and others can be brought on or 'triggered' by something. Triggers can include:

- lack of sleep;

- stress;

- flickering lights (called photosensitive epilepsy);

- diet (not eating regularly);

- Problems with medication (not taking anti-epileptic drugs as prescribed);

- illness;

- hormonal changes.

How is epilepsy treated?

Most children who have a diagnosis of epilepsy will take medication called anti-epileptic drugs. Although these drugs do not cure epilepsy, they do help in preventing seizures from happening. Once the right medication is found, many children will stop having seizures. There are some other treatments for epilepsy (such as surgery) which may be considered if a child does not respond to medication.

Caring for a child with epilepsy in a childcare setting

It is important that parents who have a child who suffers from epilepsy feel confident that their chosen childcare provider has a good basic knowledge of epilepsy and that they know how to deal with a child who is having a seizure.

It is important to talk to parents to find as much information as possible about their child's condition. The child should have a plan that details what to do in an emergency, when and how medication should be given and when to call an ambulance.

Most children who have epilepsy will have a seizure and will regain consciousness quickly. But sometimes a child may have a long seizure or experience a series of seizures without regaining consciousness.

What to do if a child is having a seizure:

- try to remain calm;

- protect the child's head and make sure they are safe;

- do not restrain them, move them or put anything in their mouth;

- once the seizure is over, put them in the recovery position;

- give them lots of reassurance and stay with them;

- ensure that they are in a calm and quiet environment - they may need to sleep afterwards.

Dial 999 if:

- it is the first time that the child has had a seizure;

- the seizure is lasting longer than usual for that child;

- if after one seizure, they have another one;

- if they have breathing difficulties;

- they are hurt or injured in any way;

- you are concerned about them and believe they need urgent medical attention.

Further information:

- Epilepsy Action on 0808 800 5050 or visit their website : www.epilepsy.org.uk

- WellChild Helpline on 0808 801 0330, e-mail helpline@wellchild.org.uk or text 0778 147 2599.