types of seizures

Seizures and CP: HOW TO MANAGE?

seizures and cerebral palsy
| vandana

Do you know what seizures are? Do you know what happens when the brain’s electrical signals misfire? Have you ever wondered how the phenomenon of seizures intersects with cerebral Palsy? Managing these conditions effectively requires a multifaceted approach that addresses medical, lifestyle, and supportive care needs. Let’s explore some!

Also read: Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy

Understanding seizures:

Seizure is defined by the Epilepsy Foundation as a brief electrical energy burst that affects the brain and body. Chemical alterations in nerve cells result in unusual movements or convulsions in the body, as well as occasionally a shift in consciousness.

A young child’s fever, exposure to toxins, irregularities in metabolism and electrolytes, and brain damage are only a few of the causes of seizures. Because cerebral palsy already causes brain damage in some spots, children with this condition are more prone to develop epilepsy, a seizure disorder.

Also read: Noticed Early Signs of CP what do I do whom to Approach

Causes of seizures:

The electrical activity in the brain usually misfires to induce seizures, and there are numerous potential reasons for this to happen, such as:

  • Epilepsy
  • Brain injury or trauma
  • Stroke
  • Brain tumours
  • Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
  • Genetic factors
  • Metabolic imbalances (e.g., low blood sugar, electrolyte abnormalities)
  • Drug or alcohol withdrawal
  • Neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy
  • Developmental disorders

Also read:  Hypotonia in Kids

Connection between seizures and cerebral palsy?

Seizures are likely to occur in children with cerebral palsy at least one or more in their lifetime. They will often experience both partial and generalised seizures. While focal seizures only affect one side or area of the brain, generalised seizures impact the entire brain. Studies show that children with spastic weaknesses effecting all four limbs are more likely than other children with cerebral palsy to experience seizures.

Tips to Manage Seizures and Cerebral Palsy

Effective management of seizures and cerebral palsy involves a combination of medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive care measures. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Medical Treatment:

Consultation with healthcare professionals, such as neurologists and paediatricians, is essential for managing seizures and cerebral palsy. Medications, such as antiepileptic drugs, may be prescribed to control seizures and prevent their recurrence.

2. Seizure Response Plan:

Develop a seizure response plan in collaboration with healthcare providers. This plan should outline steps to take during a seizure, including how to ensure the individual’s safety, when to administer emergency medication, and when to seek medical assistance.

3. Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing cerebral palsy by improving muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility. A tailored exercise program can help individuals with CP maintain functional abilities and reduce the risk of complications such as contractures and joint deformities.

Also read: Exercise and Brain Health Connection

4. Occupational Therapy:

Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing daily living skills and promoting independence. Therapists can provide strategies and assistive devices to help individuals with CP perform activities of daily living more easily and efficiently.

Try IYURVED’S: Palmar Arches Cupped Palm to Perform Fine Motor Skills

5. Speech Therapy:

Some individuals with cerebral palsy may experience speech and communication difficulties. Speech therapy can help improve communication skills, including articulation, language comprehension, and social interaction.

Also read: Can Oral Muscle Exercises Help in Speech Delay

 6. Seizure Safety Precautions:

Implement safety precautions to minimise the risk of injury during seizures. This may include removing sharp objects or obstacles from the individual’s environment, using padded surfaces, and ensuring that caregivers are trained in seizure first aid.

7. Nutrition and Hydration:

Maintain a balanced diet and adequate hydration to support overall health and well-being. Some antiepileptic medications may affect appetite or nutrient absorption, so dietary adjustments may be necessary.

Also read: Foods that can Help in Cerebral Palsy

8. Emotional Support:

Living with seizures and cerebral palsy can be emotionally challenging for both individuals and their families. Seek out support groups, counselling services, or online communities to connect with others facing similar experiences and access resources for coping and resilience.

Also read: Brain Booster for Speech Delay and Eye Contact

Managing seizures and cerebral palsy requires a comprehensive approach that addresses medical, lifestyle, and supportive care needs. It is important to recognize that every individual is unique, and management strategies should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. With proper support and resources, individuals with seizures and cerebral palsy can thrive and overcome the challenges they face.

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Down syndrome and Brain Seizures

symptoms for seizures
| Srilekha

You’re in the middle of a function when the child starts acting strangely, staring blankly and moving his hands, leg, and mouth in an odd manner. Well!! These are the symptoms for seizures. 1 to 13% of children with Down syndrome are affected with brain seizures. Out of which 40% of children show symptoms for seizures before the age of 1 year. If it is not treated early on, the symptoms for seizures may worsen. Here’s everything you need to know about seizures in children and how to manage them properly! (Child with developmental delay: Signs and Remedies)

WHATSAPP for concerns like Speech Delay, Low Weight, Frequent Illness, Hyperactivity, Low Concentration, Weak Eyesight, Improper Sleep, Pigmentation, Pores, Face Marks, Fine Lines , Lactation etc.

Types of seizures

First understand what are the types of seizures. Doctors divide seizures into two types based on how and where abnormal brain activity begins. First one is focal seizures and second is generalized seizures. (Difficulties in Learning, Reading and Writing: 7 Foods that help)

1.Focal seizures

Focal seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in one area of your brain. It can occur with or without loss of consciousness:

  • Without loss of consciousness – These seizures can alter emotions or the way things look, smell, feel, taste, or sound, but the person does not lose consciousness. They may become angry, joyful, or sad all of a sudden. Some people experience nausea or other unusual feelings that are difficult to describe.
  • With impaired awareness – These seizures are characterized by a change or loss of consciousness or awareness that feels similar to being in a dream. The individual may appear to be awake, but they stare into space and do not respond normally to their surroundings, or they perform repetitive movements.

Symptoms of focal seizures can be mistaken for those of other neurological disorders such as migraine, narcolepsy, or mental illness.

Also, check Epilepsy in Kids

2.Generalised seizures

Generalized seizures are seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain. The following are examples of generalized seizures:

  • Absence seizures – Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, are common in children and are distinguished by staring into space or subtle body movements such as eye blinking or lip smacking.
  • Clonic seizures – Clonic seizures are characterized by jerking muscle movements that are repeated or rhythmic. Symptoms for seizures on both sides of the body usually affect the neck, face, and arms.
  • Tonic seizures – Muscle stiffness is caused by tonic seizures. These seizures typically affect the muscles in your back, arms, and legs, causing you to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.
  • Atonic seizures – Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, result in a loss of muscle control, causing you to collapse, fall, or drop your head.
  • Myoclonic seizures – Myoclonic seizures are characterized by brief jerks or twitches of your arms and legs. Often, there is no loss of consciousness.
  • Tonic-clonic seizures – Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure and can result in an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and, in rare cases, loss of bladder control or tongue biting.

Also, check Speech difficulties in kids with Down Syndrome

The Connection between Seizures and Down Syndrome

Seizures affect people with Down syndrome for a variety of reasons. Some seizures, for example, are caused by cardiovascular disease. Seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain develop in person with Down syndrome as a result of decreased inhibition of electrical pathways, increased excitation of brain cells, structural abnormalities of the brain, and changes in the amount of certain neurotransmitters. There are almost certainly other reasons why seizures occur in Down syndrome. They have still not been explained.

Seizures in people with Down syndrome are similar to seizures in other people. Some seizures affect only one part of the body while others cause jerky movements throughout the body. Seizures in people with Down syndrome may also cause loss of consciousness, incontinence, and fatigue. Fortunately, right therapy can be successfully control symptoms for seizures.

What to do when somebody is having a seizure?

If somebody with you is showing symptoms of seizures, don’t panic; there are things you can do to help them.

  •     Help them in lying down on the floor.
  •     Turn the person on his or her side to avoid choking on drool or vomit.
  •     Do not attempt to halt the seizure’s movements.
  •     To avoid head injuries, place something soft under the person’s head.
  •    Create a safe and secure environment for the individual and yourself.
  •     Stay with the person who is having seizures.
  •     Remove any clothing that is too tight around the neck.
  •      Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers.

Also, check Autism and sensory sensitivity

Treatment of seizures in kids: 

Medication is usually the first step in treating a seizure disorder. But because every body is different, no one responds to treatment in the same way, so there is no “right treatment.”

1.   Seizure-prevention drugs

There are numerous seizure-prevention drugs on the market, known as anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) or anticonvulsant drugs. However, finding the one that works best for each child can take some time.

2.    OTHER TREATMENT for symptoms of SEIZUREs :
  •       Brain surgery
  •       Medical devices to prevent and control seizures
  •       Dietary therapies (e.g. ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet, low glycemic index treatment)

ingredients help to improve SEIZURE IN Down syndrome:

1.BRAHMI:

Brahmi is a brain superfood that is thought to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals involved in learning and memory. It can improve mental performance by influencing neurotransmission through acetyl choline and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Brahmi improves memory, reduces anxiety, helps in seizures, and promotes attention by restoring brain receptor function. (Drinks good for brain health)

2.ASHWAGANDHA:

This herb functions as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, which leads to better brain performance. Furthermore, it raises acetylcholine levels, which aid in memory, mental focus, and intelligence. Ashwagandha also improves nerve cell communication and stimulates the body’s ability to heal any nervous system damage. It also helpful for the treatment of seizure and headache without any adverse side effects.

3.SHANKHAPUSHPI:

In order to improve brain functioning, shankhapushpi is an old remedy. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.

4. NUTS

All the nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashew, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and help in boosting memory. They are also antioxidants which protect against cell damage. Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and are a valuable substance for brain function, memory and thinking abilities. This fatty acid also encourages cognitive functions. (best nuts for protein)

5. SEEDS

Apart from nuts, seeds like flex, chia, melon, sesame and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and much higher in zinc than other seeds, which help in increasing concentration and memory. One of the easiest to feed brain boosting foods for kids.

6. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Multiple studies have shown the link between low omega 3 fatty acids and speech delay, poor focus and concentration. These healthy fats are crucial for brain development and help to manage speech disorder and delay in kids. It can also improve speech quality. Include fish like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and tofu for adequate supply of omega -3 fatty acids.  (10 reasons to give kids with omega 3 foods)

7. VITAMIN E

Vitamin E acts as antioxidants and kills free radicals which can damage our nerves resulting in speech problems. Including more fruits, vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds in the child’s diet will help.

8.MAGNESIUM, MANGANESE & ZINC:

Magnesium is abundant in nuts such as almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. They are also antioxidants which protect against cell damage. Manganese is an important nutrient for seizure patients because it plays an important role in cerebral functions. This mineral is abundant in nuts, whole grains, and legumes. Furthermore, person with seizures required zinc for bone growth and is frequently deficient. It is critical to include meat, eggs, nuts, and legumes in your child’s diet.

Products:

It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE.

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Seizure Disorder: Types, Symptoms and Foods That Can Help

| Divya shukla

A seizure disorder represents the uncontrolled, abnormal electrical activity of the brain that may cause changes in the level of consciousness, behavior, memory, or feelings. Sometimes it may go simply unnoticed and in some serious cases it may result in unconsciousness and convulsions.

The brain consists of nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical activity. A seizure occurs when one or more parts of the brain has a burst of abnormal electrical signals that interrupt normal brain signals. Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure including head injuries, infections, poisoning or even brain development problems prior to birth. Though, often a cause for the seizures and epilepsy cannot be found. But when a child has 2 or more seizures with no known cause, this is diagnosed as epilepsy. (Which foods are good for brain development?)

TYPES OF SEIZURE disorder

There are mainly two types of seizures:

1. Generalized Seizures: It means sudden abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. it includes some subtypes:

  • Tonic- clonic: in this the body get stiff and you may stop breathing for a moment. The person may feel tired after a tonic-clonic seizure
  • Absence seizure: when a person lose awerness briefly. It may last for few seconds.
  • Febrile seizure:  febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child that’s caused by a fever. The fever is often from an infection.

2. Partial Seizures: Partial seizures means abnormal electrical activity in just one part of the brain. This can spread to other parts as well and includes partial seizure, complex partial seizure and secondarily generalized seizure.

Some seizures are very short, lasting only a few seconds, while others can last a few minutes. A doctor will typically diagnose a child with epilepsy (also called a seizure disorder) if:

  • The child has one or more seizures
  • The doctor thinks the child is likely to have a seizure again
  • The seizure was not directly caused by another medical condition, like diabetes or a severe infection
Symptoms of seizures:

Symptoms of seizure disorder may differ from person to person depending upon the type of seizure, but generally it includes following symptoms:

  • Sudden jerks in arms
  • Strange feeling
  • Sudden blackout & fainting
  • Stiffness in muscles
  • Twitching or trembling of muscles
  • Confusion
  • Sweating or nausea
  • Staring into space
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Emotional symptoms
When to see a doctor:

One should immediately connect with the doctor in the following cases:

  • The seizure last for more the five minutes
  • Having high fever
  • Second seizure follows immediately
  • Injury during the seizure
  • doesn’t regain consciousness after seizure
  • Pregnancy
  • A person having seizure has diabetes

WHAT CAUSES Seizure IN KIDS?

Though a clear cause of seizure is not known, the most common cause is an injury to the brain. Other causes include:

  • Abnormal level of sodium or glucose in the blood
  • Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis
  • Brain tumor
  • Stroke
  • Any kind of brain damage
  • Prenatal injury
  • Drug abuse
  • Electric shock
  • Epilepsy
  • Genetic conditions resulting in brain injury such as tuberculosis.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE Seizures IN KIDS?

Initially, your doctor will review symptoms and medical history of the patient and run several tests to diagnose this condition:

  • Neurological examination: To review patient’s behavior, motor abilities, mental function and the type of seizure.
  • Blood tests: To diagnose the signs of infections, genetic conditions, or other conditions that may be associated with seizures.
  • Electroencephalogram(EEG): To diagnose epilepsy in which doctors attach electrode to patient’s scalp with paste like substance. These electrodes record electrical activity of brain and help to diagnose the type of seizure.
  • Computerized tomography scan (CT): To check the cross sectional images of brain which helps to reveal abnormalities in brain which are responsible for seizures.
  • Functional MRI (fMRI): To measure the change in blood flow that occurs in specific parts of the brain and to detect the exact locations of critical functions such as speech and movement.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET): A small amount of radioactive material is injected into vein that helps to visualize active areas of brain and detect abnormalities.
  • Neuropsychological tests: To assess patient’s thinking, memory and speech skills and to find out which area is more affected.

TREATMENT OF Seizures IN KIDS:

Treatment for seizure disorder usually begins with medication. Not every child responds to treatment in the same way, so there is no one “right treatment.”

1.SEIZURE-PREVENTION DRUGS

There are many seizure-prevention drugs, called anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) or anticonvulsant drugs, in the market. However, it sometimes takes a while to find the one that works best for each child. These drugs do not change the brain’s underlying susceptibility to produce seizures. Rather, they only treat the symptoms of epilepsy by reducing the frequency of seizures. The medication will not work properly until it reaches a certain level in the body, and it is important to maintain that level. For this reason, it is especially important to follow the doctor’s specific medication instructions.

2. OTHER TREATMENTS:

  • Brain surgery
  • Medical devices to prevent and control seizures
  • Dietary therapies (e.g. ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet, low glycemic index treatment)

3. AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR seizure IN KIDS:

In Ayurveda, Epilepsy is called Apasmara (Apa = loss, smara = memory, knowledge, or even consciousness). Akshepaka is a condition characterized by seizures. An imbalance of the Vata dosha in Ayurveda creates convulsions. Likewise, an imbalance of Pitta dosha creates loss of consciousness in terms of doshic effect. Now let us understand how some Ayurvedic herbs help with seizures:

BRAHMI:

For thousands of years, the leaves of the herb have been used to treat seizures end epilepsy. Brahmi capsule sharpens the brain by protecting cells, increasing learning and memory power. It is very helpful in preventing epileptic fits and other forms of mental diseases such as neuralgia and bipolar disorder.

ASHWAGANDHA:

Ashwagandha is used in traditional medicines to treat epilepsy and modern research may be able to explain how the herb works. In an animal study, a high dose of ashwagandha by itself was able to reduce convulsions, as well as a lower dosage level combined with the pharmaceutical anti-seizure drug diazepam.

CURCUMIN:

Curcumin, a principal compound present in turmeric, has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. In addition, Preclinical studies have indicated its beneficial effect for the treatment of seizures disorders. Moreover, the molecule has an anti-seizure potential in preclinical studies, including chemical and electrical models of acute and chronic epilepsy.

SHALLAKI:

Some side effects of seizures medicines include decreased bone mineral density. This condition is called osteoporosis. Shallaki, also known as Boswellia Serrata, is very beneficial to support bone health and also stress management. Maintenance of bone stability is a difficult task but is also essential for the maintenance of overall health and well being of a person. Bones not only work as the frame for body structure but also help maintain the nervous systems in the anatomy. Shallaki helps maintenance of bone health, stress management and is also helpful for the treatment of seizure and headache without any adverse side effects.

MULETHI:

Also known as Licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra L, Mulethi is a perennial herb that has traditionally been used to treat many diseases including seizures. Being a natural product, these herbs have fewer side effects and improved efficacy as compared to the modern medicines.

4. FOODS AND NUTRIENTS THAT HELP TO MANAGE EPILEPSY IN KIDS:

VITAMIN B6:

Protein rich foods like chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, rice and green leafy vegetables are very good sources of vitamin B6. This vitamin supports the critical functions of the nervous system. In addition, it also boosts the metabolism of various neurotransmitters required for normal brain function.

VITAMIN B3: NIACIN

Fish, lean meats, nuts & poultry are high in vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 improves circulation and is very helpful in treating brain related disorders. Moreover, it enhances the treatment of seizures when used with anticonvulsants.

VITAMIN B9: FOLIC ACID

This nutrient is very important for a healthy nervous system. But in seizure patients, folic acid gets depleted and hence should be taken in the form of foods after consultation with a doctor. Lentils, liver, soy flour, black eyed peas, kidney beans and peanuts are rich in this vitamin.

VITAMIN D & CALCIUM:

People taking seizure medications require more of calcium and vitamin D. Milk, cheese, yogurt, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale etc. are few good sources of these nutrients.

MAGNESIUM,MANGANESE & ZINC:

Nuts like almonds, peanuts, cashews and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. They are also antioxidants which protect against cell damage. Manganese plays an important role in cerebral functions and hence an important nutrient for seizure patients. Nuts, whole grains, legumes are rich in this mineral. In addition, zinc is required for bone growth and is often deficient in people having seizures. Adding meat, eggs, nuts and legumes in your child’s diet is important.

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN STUDIES

How Brahmi helps in the treatment of seizure and epilepsy?

Ashwagandha used as a herb to treat seizures and epilepsy.

Proven effectiveness of Curcumin in treating seizures.

How shallaki/Boswellia Serrata is useful for treatment of epilepsy?

Licorice or mulethi for treatment of epilepsy.

Products:

It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Ayurvedic spreads is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Eye, Brain development, Bone strength and overall growth to kids without any fuss. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods –SHOP HERE.

what is the down's syndrome

India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

For kids with Seizures Disorder, give Kids & Teens Brain Booster Savoury Spread | 0% preservatives | 0% refined sugar | 0% palm oil | Fortified with SHANKHAPUSHPI, ASHWAGANDHA, BRAHMI | Contains OMEGA 3, CALCIUM, PROTEIN | ORDER |

CHECK MORE PRODUCTS FOR:

Immunity, Gut health, Digestion, Weight, Brain development, Speech delay, Epilepsy, Eye health, Hormones, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Bones and Overall growth

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