Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes individuals to experience random seizures. Affecting six out of every 1,000 children and three million adults, it may seem like a relatively rare condition in the United States. However, all parents should know about this condition, as it can be responsible for numerous health and safety risks. If you’re concerned about your child and want to know if they have special needs, here are a few signs of epilepsy to watch for.

5 Epilepsy Warning Signs All Parents Should Know  

1. Multiple Seizures

Seizures caused by epilepsy can take on many different forms. Petit mal seizures, for example, occur for just a few seconds and may cause a child to stop activity suddenly, stare without emotion, or twitch. Grand mal seizures, on the other hand, are more intense and involve a sudden loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions that can last up to two minutes. After any seizure, your child should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the possible cause. Typically, if the patient has had two or more seizures, epilepsy is likely the cause.

2. Unprovoked Seizures

There are many different reasons a child might have a seizure—including head injury, high fever, and low blood sugar. If your little one’s episodes were unconnected to any specific trigger, they are probably connected to epilepsy.

3. Unexplained Confusion or Fatigue

It can be hard to catch an epileptic seizure if it occurs when your child is sleeping or playing in another room. When these episodes occur, individuals may complain of sudden confusion, sleepiness, or forgetfulness. Bathroom accidents and weak muscles are also common.

4. Genetic History  

Anyone can develop epilepsy. However, children with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it. If you or anyone in your family has a history of epilepsy, let your pediatrician know, so they can closely monitor for warning signs.

5. Developmental Disorders

If your child has a developmental disorder that requires special needs care, such as autism, they could have a higher risk of developing epilepsy. Talk to a doctor about your little one’s risk and how you can better identify a seizure from other developmental delays.

Managing special needs for a child with epilepsy can be difficult. That’s why Deer Valley Home Health Services is dedicated to helping families gain access to compassionate and reliable caregivers throughout the Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, areas. Taking a personalized approach, these professionals will monitor your little one’s behaviors and symptoms and ensure all medications are taken and proper seizure care is provided when necessary. They will also adjust visits to fit your schedule to make your child’s care as convenient as possible. To learn more about their pediatric special needs services, visit this home health care agency online, or call (314) 355-3679 to speak with a representative.