Diagnosis of epilepsy is made if your teen has at least two unprovoked episodes of seizures . Although seizures are common in children, they may occur at any age without any gender specifications. Read this post to know more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of seizures in teens and what to do during a seizure attack. Teens may have seizures due to the following reasons .
Genetic factors can cause seizures in some teens.
Seizures are the main sign of epilepsy disorder, but not all seizures are diagnosed as epilepsy. Usually, a diagnosis of epilepsy is made if your teen has two or more unprovoked seizures without any temporary triggers, such as fever or low blood sugar . Symptoms associated with seizures may vary depending on the affected brain area, type, and severity of the seizure.
Generalized seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in both hemispheres of the brain.
Focal seizures
They are caused by abnormal electrical activity in one part of the brain.
Secondary generalized seizures that begin with abnormal nerve impulses in a smaller area of the brain and spread to both sides of the brain, resulting in a generalized seizure
Seizure symptoms may last a few seconds or minutes, depending on the cause and severity. After the episode, the teen may feel confused and may lack memory of the seizure. Seek medical care for the exact diagnosis and treatment of seizures in your teen. The following can be done during a seizure attack to reduce injuries .
Lay the teen on a floor to prevent a fall. Remove any dangerous items nearby if your teen is moving. Be calm during the episode and stay by the teen’s side. Take a note of the symptoms and the time of seizure to share it with the medical professionals.
You should consult a doctor right after the seizure episode.
You may intimate emergency services if it is the first time the teen had a seizure or if the seizure seems more severe than the previous ones. Your teen’s doctor may diagnose the seizure based on the medical history and symptoms present. A detailed neurological exam can be done to assess motor skills, behavior, mental functions, and other brain functions. Electroencephalogram helps record the electrical activity of the brain using electrodes on the scalp.
Teens with seizures may have abnormal wave patterns on EEG while awake or asleep. High-density EEG uses more electrodes on the scalp to identify the precise location of the affected area of the brain. Functional MRI measures blood flow to evaluate the functions of parts of the brain. Positron emission tomography helps identify tumors and other areas of abnormalities based on the presence of radioactive material injected during the procedure.
Neuropsychological assessment of thinking abilities, memory, speech skills, etc., is performed to determine the affected area of the brain. Sometimes, doctors may use a combination of methods to identify the affected area. Statistical parametric mapping compares areas with increased metabolism during a seizure to a healthy brain. Magnetoencephalography measures the magnetic fields during brain activity.
Anti-seizure drugs are first-line treatment given for a teen with seizures. If epilept ic seizures are not controlled by medication, other procedures or surgery is recommended depending on the frequency and severity of seizures . Single-dose medication can stop a seizure in some teens, whereas others may require a combination of drugs. Treatment usually begins with low doses and an increase in dosage is done if needed.
If an epileptic seizure is not controlled by medication, other procedures are recommended depending on the frequency and severity of seizures . The following treatment options are considered in severe cases of epilepsy . About 25% of seizure cases can be prevented.
Reducing the risk of central nervous system infections
Treating fever on time may prevent febrile seizures. Preventing seizures may not be possible in certain cases. However, the below-listed tips may help your teen to have better control of seizures . Get good sleep since lack of sleep may trigger seizures.
Is epilepsy a communicable disease?
Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease, which means it does not spread from one person to another . It is a brain disorder caused by abnormal discharge of nerve impulses. There are social stigma and discrimination towards people with epilepsy and their families in some communities.
Can teenagers grow out of epilepsy?
Two-thirds of children may outgrow epilepsy during teen years with proper treatment and follow up . Seizures may stop after long-term treatment, and you may follow the doctor’s recommendation to stop treatment gradually to prevent a recurrence.
Can medical marijuana help epilepsy?
The anti-epileptic drug named Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved cannabidiol for treating seizures due to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in patients older than two years .
Can a ketogenic diet help teens with epilepsy?
Some children have a reduction of seizures by following a strict ketogenic diet. The exact mechanism of epilepsy reduction in a keto diet is not yet understood.
Seizure is a brain disorder that can be treated with appropriate treatment. Creating awareness about seizure and epilepsy among friends and family can be helpful to avoid negative reactions due to a lack of knowledge.