What Causes Night Seizures in Children?
Seizures are one of the frightening conditions for both children and their parents, what if it happens at the time? Night seizures are otherwise called nocturnal seizures, mostly they happen when sleeping, so it’s a little hard to detect. Typically seizures will cause sudden jerking movements, unusual behavior, or even loud vocalizations, but the kids will even remain unaware of what is happening.
Even when sleeping, our brain remains active, and for kids with a predisposition to seizures, this will trigger abnormal electrical activity. Being aware of its symptoms, causes, and treatment options will greatly assist the parents in managing and supporting their child’s well-being effectively.
What are the types of night seizures in children?
In nocturnal epilepsy, the seizures will primarily occur when sleeping. Further, let’s see some common types of seizures affecting children, and when they should reach out to the best child hospital in Coimbatore for better treatment and results:
- Benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE): Typically, kids between the age of 3 and 13 years will experience this type of epilepsy. It is characterized by a twitching or tingling sensation in the face, which can even cause speech-related problems.
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: This is a severe and rare form of epilepsy which will cause many types of seizures, including nocturnal ones. Usually kids with this issue will experience developmental delays and long-term management is mandatory.
- Febrile seizures: Usually as an effect of a high fever, this kind of seizure disease will occur and will also greatly affect kids aged between 6 months and 5 years. But most of the febrile seizures are harmless, at times they can develop into epilepsy.
What are the symptoms of night seizures?
The unnoticed seizure disorder symptoms include:
- Sudden jerking or twitching movement when sleeping
- Sleepwalking or talking incoherently
- Confusion and grogginess upon waking up
- Excessive sweating
- Bedwetting
- Gasping sounds
- Falling out of bed or experiencing injuries during sleep
What are the common causes of seizures in children?
Many factors contribute to night seizures in kids, like:
- Genetics:
Family history of epilepsy or seizure disorders will increase the risk of nocturnal seizures. In case parents are first-line relatives who have had seizures, the kid may inherit a genetic predisposition to abnormal brain activity.
- Brain abnormalities:
Changes to the brain structures like malformations, tumors, or scarring from past injuries will result in seizure activity. These abnormalities will affect the normal brain function, and the chance of the child getting night seizures is high.
- Fever and infections:
Certain infections like meningitis or encephalitis, will cause inflammation in the brain and result in seizures. Further, high fevers can cause febrile seizures in younger children.
- Sleep deprivation:
Lack of sleep remains as a significant seizure trigger. When a human brain is not getting sufficient rest, it can be easily affected by unusual electrical activity, resulting in a seizure during the sleep.
- Stress and anxiety:
Psychological and emotional stress will reduce the child’s seizure threshold, making them more vulnerable to seizures at night. As we all know, anxiety and stress will greatly disturb the sleep patterns, further increasing the risk.
- Metabolic disorders:
Conditions like low blood pressure or electrolyte imbalances can result in seizure activity. Proper nutrition and monitoring metabolic health are vital for managing stress.
- Head injuries:
Previous head injuries, even if they occurred a year ago, may result in unusual brain activity and result in seizures. It’s vital to look for any symptoms post-head injury.
How to diagnose night seizures?
To precisely diagnose the night seizures, doctors will suggest a range of tests, including:
- Medical history: Maintaining a record for your kid’s sleep disturbances, abnormal behaviors, and any possible triggers can assist doctors in diagnosing the underlying cause and start the treatment.
- Electroencephalogram: During this test, the brain’s activity will be recorded and detect the unusual electrical patterns associated with seizures. Further, a sleep EEG will be required if nocturnal seizures are suspected.
- MRI or CT scans: Abnormalities in the brain’s structure like seizures can be identified using brain imaging techniques.
- Blood tests and metabolic panels: These assist in detecting infections, metabolic disorders, or other conditions that might contribute to seizures.
What are the treatments available to treat night seizures?
- Medications:
Healthcare providers usually prescribe medications to assist in reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures. Typically, the medications will be prescribed based on the type and severity of the seizures.
- Lifestyle changes:
Getting a sufficient sleep and alleviating your stress can assist in lowering the risk of nocturnal seizures. Even you can try relaxation techniques close to your bedtime, it will greatly benefit you.
- Dietary changes:
Try following a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbs, which helps in controlling seizures in a few kids. Also, you should follow this diet only under the guidance of your doctor.
- Surgery:
For kids with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical procedures may be advised to remove or alter the disturbed brain areas responsible for seizures.
When to consult a doctor?
Parents should consider reaching out to the neurology specialist in Coimbatore if:
- The child faces frequent or prolonged seizures
- Seizures last for more than 5 minutes
- Breathing irregularities occur during seizures
- The child experiences injuries due to seizures
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that night seizures in kids may be challenging, but with proper medical care, lifestyle changes, and timely intervention, they can be managed effectively. Parents should be aware of the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options available to ensure the child’s well-being. In case your child is experiencing frequent nocturnal seizures, getting medical help is crucial.
