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Seizures that are also referred to as convulsions, fits or attacks are usually the result of unnatural electrical activity in the brain. Convulsions can occur due to a number of conditions and children who have repeated seizures or convulsions are likely to have epilepsy in the future. Another common condition known as febrile convulsion also induces multiple seizures. In a majority of cases, no actual cause has been pinpointed in the development of seizures or epilepsy. In some cases epileptic patients have a genetic disposition and are known to run in families, while in some other cases due to diseases or disorders such as meningitis or brain trauma at child birth is likely to trigger abnormal activity in the brain.
Seizures often take place without any warning although they may be activated due to a variety of factors such as blinding lights, fatigue and sometimes severe stress. Seizures among children are usually generalized or partial and are dependent upon the type of abnormal brain activity. In case of generalized seizures, abnormal brain activity takes place in most or all parts of the brain. In partial seizures, abnormal brain activity takes place only in a particular area of the brain.
The act of administering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to minors and teenagers continues to remain an undetermined and inconclusive area of clinical debate due to the raging controversy behind this particular form of treatment. The electroconvulsive therapy is administered to a series of electrical currents or shocks to the patient, and is usually viewed as highly painful and uncomfortable to those experiencing it. Oral medications are usually given to children who experience epileptic seizures rather than treat them with convulsive therapy. Children who suffer from febrile convulsions usually feel better after non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications. There are a number of anti epileptic medications that are used to treat children with convulsions. Most children grow out of their epilepsy and hence medication can be gradually reduced or stopped eventually. Complementary and alternative forms of therapy are also on the rise to treat children and help them cope with the disorder. Rising side-effects from allopathic medications have given rise to homeopathic and herbal remedies to help patients with convulsions. However it is not enough research done to prove the efficacy of complimentary medication. Certain forms of Psycho therapy such as T. breathing, mental relaxation, meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy are also used in combination with oral medication.
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