Understanding Pediatric Epilepsy: Causes, Types, and Diagnosis

If your child has epilepsy, you may be anxious about your child's seizures and when they will happen. You have help from a specialist. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, based in Chicago, IL, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who offers convenient telehealth appointments and consultations to treat epilepsy in all age groups, including children.

What You Need To Know About Pediatric Epilepsy

Pediatric epilepsy is a medical condition caused by improper brain function. Improper brain function can be caused by genetics, brain injuries, brain tumors, and other factors. Your child will be diagnosed with pediatric epilepsy if your child has:

  • At least 2 seizures, 24 hours apart or longer
  • At least 1 seizure and your pediatric epilepsy specialist considers your child likely to have another seizure
  • A seizure that was not caused by an injury or another health condition

There are several types of pediatric epilepsy. These include:

  • Absence epilepsy, which causes short episodes of losing awareness
  • Rolandic epilepsy, which causes one side of the face or extremities to twitch
  • Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which causes muscle twitching and jerking of the arms and shoulders
  • Infantile spasms, which cause the whole body to bend, stretch, and convulse

To confirm a diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, your pediatric epilepsy specialist may:

  • Order an electroencephalogram, also known as an EEG, which identifies what type of epilepsy your child has
  • Order laboratory testing to confirm that an underlying medical condition is not causing the seizures

Your pediatric epilepsy specialist may recommend anti-convulsant medication to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Dietary modifications to lower your child's glycemic index may also be recommended. Pediatric epilepsy is often accompanied by other medical conditions, including:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Cognitive disabilities
  • Depression and anxiety

Pediatric epilepsy affects children differently. Some children outgrow the condition, while others must be treated with medication for the rest of their lives.

Want To Know More About Pediatric Epilepsy?

To find out more about the causes, types, and diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, call Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, in Chicago, IL, offering telehealth services across several states. You can reach him by calling (833) 530-3034, so call today. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.

If your child has epilepsy, you may be anxious about your child's seizures and when they will happen. You have help from a specialist. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, based in Chicago, IL, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who offers convenient telehealth appointments and consultations to treat epilepsy in all age groups, including children.

What You Need To Know About Pediatric Epilepsy

Pediatric epilepsy is a medical condition caused by improper brain function. Improper brain function can be caused by genetics, brain injuries, brain tumors, and other factors. Your child will be diagnosed with pediatric epilepsy if your child has:

  • At least 2 seizures, 24 hours apart or longer
  • At least 1 seizure and your pediatric epilepsy specialist considers your child likely to have another seizure
  • A seizure that was not caused by an injury or another health condition

There are several types of pediatric epilepsy. These include:

  • Absence epilepsy, which causes short episodes of losing awareness
  • Rolandic epilepsy, which causes one side of the face or extremities to twitch
  • Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which causes muscle twitching and jerking of the arms and shoulders
  • Infantile spasms, which cause the whole body to bend, stretch, and convulse

To confirm a diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, your pediatric epilepsy specialist may:

  • Order an electroencephalogram, also known as an EEG, which identifies what type of epilepsy your child has
  • Order laboratory testing to confirm that an underlying medical condition is not causing the seizures

Your pediatric epilepsy specialist may recommend anti-convulsant medication to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Dietary modifications to lower your child's glycemic index may also be recommended. Pediatric epilepsy is often accompanied by other medical conditions, including:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Cognitive disabilities
  • Depression and anxiety

Pediatric epilepsy affects children differently. Some children outgrow the condition, while others must be treated with medication for the rest of their lives.

Want To Know More About Pediatric Epilepsy?

To find out more about the causes, types, and diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, call Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, in Chicago, IL, offering telehealth services across several states. You can reach him by calling (833) 530-3034, so call today. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.