Common Causes and Risk Factors for Epilepsy from Your Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist
- posted: Oct. 26, 2024
Your brain is the center of life, controlling every aspect of your body. Like any other part of the body, the brain can malfunction and develop conditions such as epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children, causing recurring seizures triggered by various factors. If your child shows signs of this condition, it’s time for a professional consultation. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, based in Chicago, IL, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who offers convenient telehealth appointments and consultations.
What Causes Epilepsy?
There isn’t a single cause of epilepsy in children. Some children develop epilepsy due to genetics, meaning the condition runs in families. Other causes can include medical conditions such as brain tumors, infections like meningitis, and strokes. Head trauma, whether from an accident or injury, can also lead to epilepsy, with symptoms sometimes appearing long after the initial trauma.
Who Is at Risk?
Epilepsy most commonly begins in childhood. Children with a family history of epilepsy are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Traumatic brain injuries during childhood are another major risk factor that can lead to the onset of epilepsy.
While it most often begins early in life, epilepsy can also be influenced by other underlying medical conditions present at birth or occurring during childhood.
What Can Trigger a Seizure?
Recognizing potential seizure triggers can help manage epilepsy. Some common triggers for children include:
- Flashing lights: Strobe lights or flickering lights can trigger seizures in children with photosensitive epilepsy.
- Sleep deprivation: Children, like adults, need adequate rest, and sleep deprivation is a common seizure trigger. Ensuring your child gets sufficient sleep is crucial.
- Missed medication: Skipping or forgetting anti-seizure medication can increase the likelihood of a seizure.
- Dietary triggers: Some children may be sensitive to certain foods or substances like caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
Ensure your child avoids these triggers and makes lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, to help reduce the risk of seizures.
What Treatment Is Available?
At Precision Epilepsy, Dr. John Millichap provides personalized care for pediatric epilepsy. Treatment options for your child may include anti-seizure medications tailored to the type and severity of seizures. Medications are often the first line of defense and can help control seizure activity.
In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Millichap will work with you to make lifestyle adjustments for your child, such as improving sleep patterns and reducing exposure to seizure triggers.
Get the Care Your Child Needs
Epilepsy can be managed with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If your child is experiencing signs of epilepsy, it’s important to seek specialized care. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy in Chicago, IL, offers expert pediatric epilepsy care through telehealth services across several states.
Call Precision Epilepsy at 833-530-3034 to schedule a consultation and learn more. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.
- posted: Oct. 26, 2024
Your brain is the center of life, controlling every aspect of your body. Like any other part of the body, the brain can malfunction and develop conditions such as epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children, causing recurring seizures triggered by various factors. If your child shows signs of this condition, it’s time for a professional consultation. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy, based in Chicago, IL, is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who offers convenient telehealth appointments and consultations.
What Causes Epilepsy?
There isn’t a single cause of epilepsy in children. Some children develop epilepsy due to genetics, meaning the condition runs in families. Other causes can include medical conditions such as brain tumors, infections like meningitis, and strokes. Head trauma, whether from an accident or injury, can also lead to epilepsy, with symptoms sometimes appearing long after the initial trauma.
Who Is at Risk?
Epilepsy most commonly begins in childhood. Children with a family history of epilepsy are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Traumatic brain injuries during childhood are another major risk factor that can lead to the onset of epilepsy.
While it most often begins early in life, epilepsy can also be influenced by other underlying medical conditions present at birth or occurring during childhood.
What Can Trigger a Seizure?
Recognizing potential seizure triggers can help manage epilepsy. Some common triggers for children include:
- Flashing lights: Strobe lights or flickering lights can trigger seizures in children with photosensitive epilepsy.
- Sleep deprivation: Children, like adults, need adequate rest, and sleep deprivation is a common seizure trigger. Ensuring your child gets sufficient sleep is crucial.
- Missed medication: Skipping or forgetting anti-seizure medication can increase the likelihood of a seizure.
- Dietary triggers: Some children may be sensitive to certain foods or substances like caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
Ensure your child avoids these triggers and makes lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, to help reduce the risk of seizures.
What Treatment Is Available?
At Precision Epilepsy, Dr. John Millichap provides personalized care for pediatric epilepsy. Treatment options for your child may include anti-seizure medications tailored to the type and severity of seizures. Medications are often the first line of defense and can help control seizure activity.
In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Millichap will work with you to make lifestyle adjustments for your child, such as improving sleep patterns and reducing exposure to seizure triggers.
Get the Care Your Child Needs
Epilepsy can be managed with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If your child is experiencing signs of epilepsy, it’s important to seek specialized care. Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy in Chicago, IL, offers expert pediatric epilepsy care through telehealth services across several states.
Call Precision Epilepsy at 833-530-3034 to schedule a consultation and learn more. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.
