What about non-epileptic symptoms that resemble epilepsy?
Sometimes children have symptoms that closely resemble epileptic
seizures, but which are not. For example:
Breath-holding spells are common in upset or mildly injured
toddlers, who briefly stop breathing. The child may turn either pale
or blue. Generalized tonic-clonic movements are sometimes, but not
always, observed. Children who have breath-holding spells outgrow
them eventually; no treatment is necessary.
Startle episodes are also mistaken for seizures. These episodes
resemble the newborn startle reflex, in which the child's arms
briefly jerk back and forth. Young infants normally lose the startle
reflex between 3 and 6 months of age. In children with neurological
problems, however, this reflex is often persistent and prominent. The
child may startle in response to even moderate levels of sound and
touch.
Is epilepsy a lifelong condition?
Not always. Children frequently "outgrow" seizure disorders,
particularly absence epilepsy and
benign rolandic epilepsy of
childhood. Children who have their first seizures late in childhood
or in adolescence are less likely to outgrow the condition.
Are seizures painful?
The seizure itself is usually not painful. Following a generalized,
tonic-clonic seizure, however, some children may complain of
muscle aches and a sore tongue. These complaints are related to the
muscle jerking and tongue biting during the seizure.
Can a child with epilepsy attend public school?
Children with epilepsy should be able to attend public school. In
fact, a law--Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Public Law 102-119--protects the rights of children with epilepsy and other disabilities
to attend public school and to receive the services they need
there.
What about day care?
Children with epilepsy should be able to attend day care. Before
the child begins day care, you should educate the provider about the
child's seizure disorder. You should also talk with them about
emergency care. If you use medications to stop the seizures, they
should be available--but stored in a safe place--at
the center.
What kind of lifestyle habits can help the child with
epilepsy?
Sleep deprivation can lower the seizure threshold, so children
with epilepsy should get enough rest. Most children do not need a
special diet, but three well-balanced meals a day and healthy snacks
are appropriate. Children with epilepsy should avoid caffeinated
beverages, such as colas and teas, because caffeine may lower the
threshold for seizures.
Can a child with epilepsy play sports?
A child's athletic participation depends on the kind of seizures
he or she is having, and how successfully they are controlled.
Participation in most sports is usually appropriate, as long as the
child wears protective head gear. Even swimming is acceptable, as
long as the child is closely monitored. Pool swimming is safer than
salt or fresh water swimming because of the risk of undertow.
Sports that could involve falls from a moderate height, such as
gymnastics, biking, and horseback riding, should be considered on an
individual basis.
"Extreme" sports, such as scuba diving, hang gliding, and rope
climbing, are not appropriate for children with epilepsy.
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