Identifying Seizures
It is often hard to distinguish seizure types. This information is for educational purposes only, and should not take the place of seizure typing by video EEG through a certified epileptologist. Absence Seizures (click for details) These seizures are most often diagnosed because of their tendency to appear as brief generalized epileptic seizures with sudden onset and termination. Characterized by the impairment of consciousness, thus absence. Video 1 Video 2 Video 3 Atonic Seizures (click for details) Atonic seizures are...
read moreComorbidities of Intractable Childhood Epilepsy
In addition to seizures, children with intractable epilepsy often have a lowered IQ, and real problems with learning and memory. They may also have significant psychosocial problems, some of them related to the anticonvulsant drugs. People who work with these children must learn patience, and try to evolve new strategies for the promotion of learning. These people need sympathy and support. Intractable epilepsy is a true – if invisible – disability.
read morePhotosensitivity as a Seizure Trigger
Some non-moving patterns with high contrast may trigger seizures in some people with photosensitive epilepsy. Examples of high contrast patterns are black and white stripes, some patterned materials and wallpapers, and sunlight through slatted blinds. Polarized, blue lens sunglasses may help with photosensitivity. Ask your optician to find the deepest blue tint possible. The Z1 lens , listed in a study below, is available only in Italy. Polarized, blue lens are useful in preventing photosensitive seizures in many epilepsy...
read moreMyoclonic Status in Nonprogressive Epilepsy (MSNE)
Description: Severe myoclonic epilepsy, which occurs either in the whole body or one side of the body (muscles). It is also possible that the patient might have recurring seizures that may lead to neurological deterioration. Other Names & Associated Genetic Mutations There are no other recognized names for this syndrome, and no genetic mutations identified with it at this time. Useful Links & Associated Physicians 1) URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19469845 Associated Physicians: - Dr. Maurizio Elia : Unit of Neurology and...
read moreGlucose Transporter 1 Deficiency
Description: This deficiency mainly affects the brain and patients usually have seizures, which occur in the first few months of their life. Other Names & Associated Gene Mutations GLUT 1 SLC2A1 Associated Gene Mutations At this time there are no widely accepted gene mutations that are identified with this syndrome. 1) URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19515520 Associated members: - Pierangelo Veggiotti , Federica Teutonico, Enrico Alfel, Valentina De Giorgisand Umberto Balottinhttp: Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry,...
read moreLennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Description: It generally occurs in early childhood between the 2nd and 6th year of life. Patients usually have frequent seizures (different types) along with cognitive symptoms. If child with diagnosis of LGS developed seizures before age 1 year, workup for Dravet syndrome should be considered. Other Names & Associated Gene Mutations LGS Associated Gene Mutations At this time there are no associated gene mutations Useful Links & Associated Physicians 1) URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19588340 Associated...
read moreInfantile Spasms (West Syndrome)
West Syndrome is a age dependent mixer of infantile spasm, mental retardation and EEG change that show hypsarrythmia.
read moreSupport for Sibblings
In general, most children in families that include a child with a disability are likely to adapt and even blossom when their developmental needs are met in the family.
read moreProtective Helmets
Your child’s neurologist, physical therapist, or teacher may recommend a protective helmet to prevent head injuries during falls from seizures. The helmets are most often ordered through physical therapy departments and custom made for the child’s head. A couple of websites for protective...
read moreOrthotics for Intractable Epilepsy
Although orthotics are mentioned in many books available to families and professionals, there are few magazine articles or newspaper stories that mention these commonly used shoe inserts that do make a difference to children with epilepsy that also have low muscle tone or an abnormal gait or teens who have pain or discomfort due to walking differently during early childhood and beyond.
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