Epilepsy in Adults v/s Children: How Symptoms Differ and Why Early Diagnosis Changes Everything

 

Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that happens as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In India, about 5 to 6 per 1000 people are epileptic. While underlying brain activity is similar between children and adults, causes, types, and visible epilepsy symptoms may differ between age groups, posing unique diagnostic challenges.

Recognising Epilepsy in Adults

Recognising epilepsy symptoms in adults is often quite complex, as the symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions attributed to stress or ageing. 
Types of Epilepsy in Adults

Epilepsy types in adults are categorised into:

• Generalised Epilepsy: Seizures occur from both sides of the brain at the same time. 

• Focal Epilepsy: Seizures start from one side of the brain and may either stay on that side or spread to other parts of the brain. 

• Unknown: Where the source of seizures is not known, requiring more in-depth care. 

Understanding epilepsy types in adults is key for tailored treatment.

Common Causes of Epilepsy in Adults

Possible causes of epilepsy in adults include:

• Stroke

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Brain Tumours

• Infections (meningitis, encephalitis)

• Neurodegenerative Diseases 

• Genetic Factor

Epilepsy Symptoms in Adults

Common epilepsy symptoms in adults include:

• Seizures: Most common symptom, characterised by jerky movements or shaking. 

• Loss of Consciousness: Brief loss of consciousness or awareness due to seizures. 

• Confusion: Trouble thinking or understanding others.

• Slurred Speech: Trouble speaking or forming words properly. 

• Unusual Senses: Tingling sensation or numbness and changes in vision, hearing, taste and smell. 

• Involuntary Movements: Twitching, jerking and loss of muscle control.

Epilepsy in Children

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in childhood. Diagnosis of epilepsy in children may be challenging as their symptoms differ, and they may struggle to articulate experiences.

Causes of Epilepsy in Children

In children, epileptic seizures may occur because of any of these following conditions:

• Birth trauma

• Developmental brain abnormalities

• Genetic syndromes (Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut) 

• Infections (Meningitis) 

• Metabolic Disorders

• Severe Febrile Seizures. 

Understanding these seizure causes in children is critical for lessening their impact and frequency.

Epilepsy Symptoms in Children

Epilepsy symptoms in children can be subtle. Watch out for recurrent, unusual behaviours, such as: 

• Staring spells (absence seizures)

• Brief repetitive movements

• Uncontrolled muscle movements, like jerking or twitching 

• Rapid breathing

• Faster heart rate

Why Early Diagnosis is Important

Early diagnosis of epilepsy plays a vital role in dramatically altering outcomes for both adults and children. Benefits of early diagnosis include preventing complications, optimising treatment, and improving quality of life, while also reducing morbidity or mortality (SUDEP). It also helps in adopting essential management strategies for minimising the impact of a seizure.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Treatment for epilepsy symptoms aims for seizure control with minimal side effects. Strategies include: 

• Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs): The most common treatment; medications are decided as per the patient’s age, type of seizures and overall health condition. 

• Dietary Therapies: A high-fat, low-carb diet (keto diet) has been shown to minimise seizure frequency, especially in children.   

• Surgical Options: This is mainly used for focal point seizures that cannot be controlled by medication.  

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The procedure of placing an implant in the brain that sends electrical signals via the vagus nerve. 

• Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid triggers, manage stress, and have a proper regular schedule. 

Consistency in following epilepsy treatment protocols and seizure management strategies can help minimise their frequency.

Care Essentials: Do's and Don'ts during a Seizure

Do's:

• Stay calm.

• Ease towards the floor.

• Calculate the duration of the seizure.

• Clear area of hard objects.

• Cushion head with a pillow.

• Turn on one side.

• Stay with them.

• Call medical help: If seizure lasts above 5 minutes, repeated, injured, or if it is the first seizure.

Don'ts:

• Don't restrain.

• Don't put anything in their mouth.

• Don't give any food or drink.

• Don't panic.

• Don't leave them alone.

Conclusion

Epilepsy can be a challenging condition, but timely diagnosis of epilepsy symptoms in adults and seizure causes in children can significantly improve treatment outcomes. At Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata, our Neurology experts use the latest technology for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment and management plans. If you or your loved ones are struggling with epilepsy symptoms, book an appointment at Manipal Hospitals Broadway today!