We look into Seizures - what Nigerians call Epilepsy.

• If you have a child with epilepsy, this article will help you learn about seizure disorders in children and how to manage similar cases.  
• It will teach you about epilepsy in children, including the definition, common causes, how it is tested and diagnosed, and how to treat it.
• It will also teach you how to cope with the situation as a parent and caregiver to manage seizures in children and ensure their safety.

David is a bright and active eight-year-old boy who loved playing in the compound and discovering new things around him. One day, while playing with his toys under the shade of a tree in front of his house, he suddenly fell to the ground and started shaking uncontrollably.

His mom was terrified and quickly called out for help. The neighbors came together, and one of them offered his bike. David’s father quickly got on the bike, and with the help of his mother and a neighbor, they carefully placed David on the bike. With David held between his parents, they rushed to the clinic, hoping he would get better soon.

At the clinic, the doctors ran a series of tests before diagnosing David with a seizure disorder, what Nigerians call Epilepsy. For David and his family, this diagnosis was life-changing. It was very possible that it would happen again.

“What do we do?” David's father asked the Doctor.

What is a Epilepsy?

A seizure (epilepsy) is a disorder in which the brain cells malfunction and transmit electrical impulses involuntarily, resulting in symptoms that impact other areas of the brain and body.nIn this case, seizures often cause loss of consciousness and abnormal movements, usually immediately.

• It can result in unexpected, abrupt changes in a child's movements, sensations, cognition, and behavior. 
• Neurons in the child's brain may freeze excessively during a seizure, resulting in odd feelings, emotions, or behaviors. 
• The seizure may be minor or severe, lasting between a few seconds and several minutes.
• Pediatric seizure disorder occurs in approximately 4 to 10 out of every 1,000 children.

What causes seizure disorder in children?

Several possible causes of seizure disorder in children may include the following:

• Genetic factors - some forms of epilepsy may be inherited.
• Brain injury or damage - can occur during birth from infections, head injuries, or strokes.
• Brain malformations - when the brain does not develop properly before birth.
• Infections - such as meningitis, encephalitis, or abscesses in the brain.
• Metabolic disorders - including low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney or liver failure.
• Brain tumors - both benign and malignant tumors can cause seizures.
• Febrile seizures - which occur during high fever in young children.
• Unknown causes - in some cases, no specific cause of the seizure disorder can be identified.

Types of seizure disorders

A seizure can come in different forms, depending on the cause and the part of the brain affected. The common types include:

• Generalized seizures

They affect the entire brain and can render a child unconscious. They can be atonic or tonic-clonic seizures if they affect the child’s muscles and movement or absence seizures if the child just stares into space or blanks out for a few seconds. Absence seizures were once called petit mal seizures.

• Focal or partial seizures

These seizures might originate in one specific location and result in a limited range of symptoms. If the child does not lose consciousness, the seizure could be simple partial seizures. Complex partial seizures result in altered consciousness.

Symptoms of a seizure in children

The symptoms of a seizure vary depending on the type. Common symptoms include:

• Abnormal movements: The seizure may include jerking or twitching the arms, legs, or face.
• Loss of consciousness: The child may appear to stare blankly, become unresponsive or confused, or even fall to the ground.
• Convulsions: The severity of convulsion can range from mild to severe and can include shaking stiffness, and loss of muscle control.
• Change in mood or behavior: Children may experience sudden changes in mood or behavior, and may become irritable, aggressive, or anxious.
• Changes in sensations: Children may complain of hearing unusual sounds or seeing flashing lights.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control: A child with a seizure may find it difficult to hold her pee or poop.

A seizure (epilepsy) is a disorder in which the brain cells malfunction and transmit electrical impulses (signals) they shouldn't, causing sudden changes in how a person moves, feels, or acts. It can result in unexpected, abrupt changes in a child's movements, sensations, cognition, and behavior. The seizure may be minor or severe, lasting between a few seconds and several minutes.