Early Symptoms of Childhood Epilepsy

The early symptoms of childhood epilepsy may vary, but typically include the following: 1. Brief loss of consciousness: The child may suddenly stare blankly, appear dazed, and show delayed responses to external stimuli, lasting from a few seconds to one minute. 2. Muscle twitching: Rapid jerking movements or stiffness in the muscles may occur, such as sudden arm lifting or leg bending. Sometimes, these movements may involve only a part of the body, such as the fingers or face. 3. Automatisms: During episodes of impaired consciousness, the child may repeatedly perform certain purposeless actions, such as chewing, swallowing, fumbling, or walking, and often has no memory of the event afterward. 4. Drop attacks: The child may suddenly lose balance and fall, with or without accompanying body jerking. 5. Visual or auditory disturbances: The child may see flashes of light or hallucinations, or hear sounds that do not exist. 6. Emotional changes: Sudden and intense mood swings may occur within a short period, such as fear, anger, or joy, followed by a rapid return to normal. If parents observe these symptoms, especially multiple symptoms occurring at the same time, they should take the child to see a pediatrician or neurologist as soon as possible. Diagnosing epilepsy usually requires a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and auxiliary tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG). Early recognition and treatment can help control seizures and reduce their impact on the child's learning and daily life.