Epilepsy And Children

Nearly half a million children live with pediatric epilepsy. 

Of the nearly 200.000 new cases of epilepsy each year in the United States, about 75 percent begin in childhood. In Singapore, the cumulative incidence of epilepsy in children by age of 9 is 3.5 per 1000 population. Seizures occur more frequently in the first year of life, nearly five times as frequently as in adults up to the age of 65. Epilepsy is more common in children than diabetes and kidney disease. For some of these children, control of the condition can be achieved through medication, surgery, or diet. For other children there are no answers. Epilepsy can cause a lifetime of problems.

Epilepsy is always a serious disorder. In children whose brains and bodies are developing, recurrent seizures can devastate. Uncontrolled epilepsy affects intelligence, memory, concentration, motor skills, problem solving, school performance, and behavior. Even children whose epilepsy is under control may face problems, such as side effects from medications and damage from previous seizures. Parents of children with epilepsy face a lifetime of wondering when their child's next seizure will occur and what it will mean, Children with epilepsy live with fear of their condition and stigma from others.

Usually, the seizures themselves receive the most attention from parents and health care professionals, and sadly, other very important coexistent problems get unattended to, and children are unintentionally left to deal with these vexing issues independently. These other issues, including schooling difficulties, attention problems, behavioral disorders, psychiatric conditions, and deficient self-esteem likely contribute to a profound effect on the individual’s ability to achieve their lifetime goals. Indeed, children with epilepsy are two to four times less likely to finish secondary education, marry, have children, and be employed.

A comprehensive approach to a child with epilepsy, taking into consideration of these factors is believed to be able to improve such situations. We need to help them understand their condition so let's read more about it and make it a difference starting from today!

since 24/04/2001

Some useful links:

The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Center       Children's Epilepsy Program

Kid Power         Kid's On the Block,Inc.       Talking to your child about Epilepsy