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Childhood epilepsy
EPILEPSY IN CHILDREN
If your child shows symptoms of epilepsy, our neurological and paediatric experts can help to diagnose and treat them
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy in children is a common neurological (brain) condition. The brain experiences unwanted bursts of electrical activity, causing the body to have a seizure. This is commonly known as an epileptic fit. There are different diagnoses of childhood epilepsy. Our paediatric neurologists can identify these types and treat your child.
Need to know
These can include:
- seizures where the body shakes and/or jerks uncontrollably
- stiffness in the body
- collapsing
- staring blankly into space
- development of learning difficulties
Your child's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. They will ask for a detailed description of the seizures they may have experienced. This should include the age of their first fit and how many times they have occurred.
Our consultant can then understand more about the type of epilepsy "syndrome" your child may have. Tests we offer to diagnose epilepsy include:
- an electroencepholagram (EEG) to assess electrical activity in the brain
- an MRI scan to check for any growths or damage to the brain.
Epilepsy can be a lifelong condition that is managed rather than cured. At HCA UK, we offer a number of treatment options.
- Anti-epilepsy medication to help control electrical activity to the brain. This can reduce seizures as a result.
- Ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbohydrate) can be recommended for children if medication isn't helping.
- In some cases, brain surgery is an option for children who experience multiple, regular and violent seizures.
Our locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.