What causes childhood epilepsy?

Pediatric epilepsy is caused by multiple factors, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Genetic factors: Epilepsy has a certain genetic predisposition. If there is a family history of epilepsy, the risk of the child developing the condition increases. This type of inheritance can be single-gene inheritance, multi-gene inheritance, or chromosomal abnormalities.

2. Abnormal brain development: Congenital hydrocephalus, inherited metabolic defects, chromosomal disorders, and other conditions may lead to developmental disorders of the brain, which can subsequently trigger epilepsy. These developmental abnormalities affect the normal functioning of brain neurons, leading to abnormal electrical discharges.

3. Brain injury: Both congenital and acquired brain injuries, such as birth trauma, asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, can serve as triggers for epilepsy. These injuries disrupt the normal structure and function of the brain, causing epileptic seizures.

4. Intracranial infections: Intracranial infections caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, and others, may also lead to epilepsy. The infection affects the brain's neurons, causing them to discharge abnormally.