Epilepsy in children is the one of most misunderstood health problems. It is often confused with seizures, but need not necessarily true always. If researches are to be trusted, then about 5% children suffers from seizure attacks but only 0.5% is detected with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that triggers the neurons to misfire into the brain and send incorrect signals to the body, which ultimately result in seizures. Though seizures can occur due to many various reasons such as intense mood swings and malfunctioning of the motor nerves, epilepsy happens only when the neurons are misfired.
Read on to know about the various types of seizures your child may experience while epileptic, the triggers of epilepsy, and how you can handle those naturally.
Different Types of Seizures Experienced In Epilepsy
Seizures in epilepsy are the temporary imbalances of the electrical and chemical aspects of the brain. It may result in the loss of sensations and trigger an abnormal body posture for a short period. Here are some of most common types of seizures that your child may experience in epilepsy.
Focal Seizures
These types of seizures are restricted to the brain and most commonly on one side. They are also known as partial seizures and can result in the loss of consciousness and temporary paralysis of the brain. Sometimes the seizure take place in that section of your brain which is not responsible for maintaining the consciousness. Under such condition, it affects the frontal lobe of the brain. Sometimes the seizure might be bilaterally conclusive and can send epileptic signals all over the brain.
Generalized Seizures
These types of seizures are the ones where epileptic activity begins in every part of the brain. The result of this type is not conclusive and can last a couple of seconds or minutes. From jerking movements and paralysis to vision loss, you child might experience these symptoms temporarily during a generalized seizure.
What Triggers Epilepsy In Children?
In infants, seizures can be caused from an insufficient oxygen supply to the brain or any other part of their body. In late childhood, it can be caused due to stress, trauma, tumors, or alcoholic withdrawal. Epileptic seizures can be triggered by simple flashing of light, emotional stress, alcohol, and even reading. Excessive amount of electric impulses is also a trigger for epilepsy in children.
The Symptoms of Epilepsy In Children You Should Be Aware of
There is a wide list of symptoms and signs that could indicate that your child has epilepsy. Below listed are few of them and should be looked out for.
- Stiffening in the muscles along with occasional painful cramps is an indication that the brain is unable to control these parts of your body. One of the probable reasons for this could be misfiring of the neurons.
- Constant shaking of the arms and legs is also a sign that child’s brain lacks the efficiency to control the limb movements.
- Staring at one point for a very long time could imply that the brain is failing to send the right signals to the eyes.
- No control on your children’s urinary bladder could mean the malfunctioning of the brain’s basic functions.
- Vomiting and constant drooling is an indication that the child’s body is not working in a synchronized way with the brain.
How To Take Care Of Epilepsy In Children Naturally
The world of Ayurveda has evolved immensely over the last decade and is known to provide relief in many epileptic cases. Here are some of the natural remedies that you could try, under proper supervision, to help your epileptic child.
1. Give A Dose of Epsom Salt
This salt has magnesium, a mineral that can help brain control the electric impulses in an effective way.
2. Provide Coconut Water
Coconut water is a dense resource of various minerals essential to maintain the chemical imbalances in body. This is one of the safest way to handle epileptic attacks.
3. Keep Your Child Hydrated
Keeping the sodium levels above normal is crucial in these cases and fluids can prove as an easy access. Fresh juice, water, and gourd juice are proven to be very effective in epileptic cases.
4. Ash Gourd
This is green vegetable is a treasure trove of nutrients that can help in managing epilepsy. Crush liquorice powder and add to this vegetable to increase its effectiveness.
5. Milk
Milk is a rich source of calcium, the natural electrolyte that assists the brain in its proper functioning.
6. Garlic
Garlic is packed with allicin in admirable quantities that help in easing epilepsy in children. Boil water and milk together and then add crushed garlic cloves. Keep aside for 5 minutes and serve.
Help your child understand their epileptic condition. Along with these simple natural remedies, support them mentally. Take care and stay safe!