Do you find your child often staring blank? Does your child find it difficult to respond sometimes? Do they go absent-minded, unaware of their surroundings?
Well, there is a good chance that your child suffers from Childhood Absence Epilepsy(CAE). It is a condition that begins with absence seizures, often lasting up to 10 or 20 seconds, in young children aged between 4 and 8. Children with Childhood absence epilepsy get multiple absence seizures in a day and are typically unaware of what has happened. If that is the case with your child, do not prolong the visit to an Epilepsy Doctor in Dubai.
Symptoms of Childhood absence epilepsy
Absence seizures are the most common and ideal symptom of Childhood absence epilepsy. The child is often seen staring blankly into space. They become completely unaware of their surroundings and do not respond during these 10 to 20 seconds. Some children make random movements like eye blinking, finger movements, mouth twitching, etc.
Causes of Childhood absence epilepsy
Although the cause of Childhood absence epilepsy is predominantly genetic, it is still a grey area. 1 out of 3 children with Childhood absence epilepsy shows a family history of absence seizures or other seizures in general. Also, the siblings of these children have a 1 in 10 chance of developing epilepsy.
Diagnosis of epilepsy
The diagnosis begins with reviewing the medical and familial history of the child. The evaluation usually involves a neurological exam and Electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect the presence of any seizure activity and is performed by employing methods like hyperventilation and photic stimulation. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may sometimes be indicated as well.
Treatment of Childhood absence epilepsy
The treatment mainly involves the intake of anti-epileptic medications with the supervision of a pediatric neurologist. There are several medications to look at. Either those or their combinations might work well in most cases.
For any inquiries or medical help, contact Dr. Aman P S Sohal, a pediatric neurologist in Dubai.
