Epilepsy in children - diagnosis and treatment at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
Epilepsy in children is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurological disorders of the developmental age. Symptoms can look very different - from typical convulsions and loss of consciousness to brief "blank spells", sudden loss of contact or unusual limb movements. If you notice episodes in your child that could suggest epileptic seizures, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw and OpenMed in Płock. Our specialists provide neurological diagnostics for children and help plan further treatment and disease control.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition in which abnormal bioelectrical discharges occur in the brain. The result is epileptic seizures of varying course and severity. In children, the nervous system is still developing, so prompt diagnosis and properly selected treatment are particularly important for further functioning, development and the child's safety.
Symptoms of epilepsy in children
Epileptic seizures do not always take the form of whole-body convulsions. In some children the symptoms can be subtle and may, for a long time, be mistaken for problems with concentration, sleep or behaviour. Symptoms that should prompt a neurological consultation include:
- loss of consciousness or sudden "switching off",
- trembling of the limbs, body stiffness or involuntary movements,
- sudden falls without an obvious cause,
- short loss of contact and staring at a single point,
- repeated episodes of disorientation or unusual behaviour.
Symptoms can appear both during the day and during sleep. In some cases a seizure lasts a few seconds and resolves spontaneously, but even short episodes require neurological diagnostics.
Paediatric neurology specialists at OpenMed
Book a consultation for neurological symptoms, developmental concerns, and nervous system disorders in children.
Causes and diagnosis of epilepsy
Epilepsy in children can have various causes. In some patients it is linked to genetic predisposition, in others to past injuries, perinatal hypoxia, developmental defects of the nervous system or infections. It also happens that despite testing, no clear cause of the disease can be identified.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed interview with the parent and analysis of the course of the seizures. Our doctors ask about the circumstances in which symptoms occur, the duration of episodes and the child's behaviour after they end. A phone recording of a seizure, if parents have such material, is also very helpful.
The key examination is EEG, i.e. electroencephalography, which allows assessment of the brain's bioelectrical activity. Depending on the situation, the paediatric neurologist may also order an MRI of the head or additional laboratory tests. The goal is not only to confirm epilepsy, but also to determine the type of seizures and select appropriate treatment.
Treatment of epilepsy in children at OpenMed
Treatment of epilepsy is based primarily on pharmacotherapy. Our specialists select medications individually - depending on the child's age, type of seizures and test results. The aim of therapy is to control seizures while maintaining the child's normal functioning in everyday life.
Regular neurological check-ups allow monitoring of treatment effectiveness and possible side effects of medications. At OpenMed, parents also receive practical recommendations regarding the child's safety, management during a seizure and everyday functioning at home and at school.
In most cases, children with epilepsy can develop normally, attend school and take part in activities with their peers. However, systematic treatment and cooperation with a paediatric neurologist are crucial.
Paediatric neurological care at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
At OpenMed in Warsaw and in Płock we provide paediatric neurological consultations, EEG diagnostics and planning of further treatment and epilepsy monitoring. Our specialists ensure a calm atmosphere during the visit and communicate information in a way that is understandable to both the parent and the child.
If you notice worrying symptoms or your child has already been diagnosed with epilepsy and needs further neurological care, book a consultation at OpenMed Warsaw or OpenMed Płock. Registration is available by phone and online - the OpenMed team will help you choose a suitable appointment time.
Epilepsy in children - FAQ
Symptoms may include convulsions, brief loss of contact, sudden "blank spells", unusual movements or loss of consciousness.
No. Convulsions can have various causes, which is why neurological diagnostics is necessary.
EEG is a painless test that assesses the brain's bioelectrical activity. It involves placing electrodes on the scalp.
In many cases, properly selected treatment allows good seizure control and enables the child to function normally.