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Can You Get Pregnant With an Anteverted Uterus?
The most important organ of the female reproductive system is the uterus. This is the very organ that plays a key role during menstruation and holds the baby when a woman is pregnant. This organ regulates the menstrual cycles, thus ensuring that normal functioning of the body. However, many women may have an anteverted uterus. An anteverted uterus is tilted forward at the cervix and towards the abdomen. Many women think that having an anteverted uterus makes it difficult to conceive. But is that so? Find out!
What Is an Anteverted Uterus?
When the uterus is tilted towards the front of the abdomen, it is known as an anteverted uterus. There are two abnormal positions of the uterus. One is anteverted and the other is retroverted. The uterus is said to be retroverted when it is tilted backwards. Talking specifically about the anteverted uterus, a tilted forward uterus implies that the uterus gets dislocated towards the bladder. This is a commonly occurring issue in women, making them think that they would have complexities in their menstrual cycles and pregnancy. But having an anteverted uterus is perfectly normal and it doesn’t affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant. If you have an anteverted uterus, you may not even know about it.
Causes of Anteverted Uterus
There are many reasons why women may have an anteverted uterus. Sometimes, having scars from a surgery performed in the past may make the uterus tilt. The uterus may even tilt forward because of endometriosis. This is a condition where the tissues layering the inside of the uterus develop on the outside.
Symptoms of Anteverted Uterus
There are no clear symptoms of an anteverted uterus. Chances are you won’t even know that you have an anteverted uterus. However, in some rare cases, where the condition is severe and the uterus is tilted way too much, you may notice the following symptoms:
Abdominal pain during menstrual cycles
Constant back pain during menstruation
Constipation prior to or during menstruation
Foul-smelling discharge during menstrual cycles
Ovarian pain experienced during ovulation
Can You Get Pregnant With an Anteverted Uterus?
Earlier it was believed that a woman with an anteverted uterus cannot get pregnant. However, recent advancements suggest otherwise. The tilting of the uterus is nowhere related to a woman’s fertility. This is because the passage the sperm covers through the uterus and the further process of fertilization has no connection with the orientation of the uterus.
In case a woman is pregnant and the tilt of uterus is beyond a certain limit, she may experience discomfort and pain while emptying her bladder. If a pregnant woman has an anteverted uterus, she must visit a gynaecologist on experiencing severe back pain or irritations in the abdominal region.
An interesting fact that may leave you surprised is that when a woman with an anteverted uterus is pregnant, her baby bump becomes visible sooner than expected. It could be visible even before she completes her 12 weeks into a pregnancy.
How Is an Anteverted Uterus Diagnosed?
An anteverted uterus can be diagnosed using the following two methods:
Pelvic Exam: This method is used by experienced doctors in which they touch and feel the uterus, the pelvic region, the ovaries, and the abdomen, to get an idea whether the uterus is tilted or not. Based on the doctor’s intuition, she may further ask the woman to go for an ultrasound.
Ultrasound: This is a technological invention that involves using sound waves to create sonogram images of the abdomen on the screen. This way the doctor analyses the images on the screen to know whether the uterus is tilted or not.
Impact of an Anteverted Uterus on Pregnancy
It is known that the forward tilt of the uterus neither affects a woman's ability to get pregnant nor does it create any problems in delivery (though it has been found that some natural processes that ought to occur inside the uterus get affected). Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a gynaecologist even if there are no severe complications.
Also, there are certain rare cases where a pregnant woman may develop pregnancy problems such as uterine fibroids, uterus polyps, ovarian cysts or even fibroid tumours because of an anteverted uterus. And, this is the very reason that expert consultation is required when in the initial stages of pregnancy.
Can You Have Sex If You Have an Anteverted Uterus?
Having an anteverted uterus will not affect your sexual health or sexual life. So, yes you can have sex with an anteverted uterus if you want to get pregnant or otherwise.
Treatment Options for an Anteverted Uterus
An anteverted uterus is not a health problem and requires no treatment. There are no treatment options available for an anteverted uterus because no treatment is required.
Although the need for treatment is not a concern, you could do the following in order to ensure a good and healthy life. The exercises mentioned below may not work for all women and the results can't be assured, hence one must try these only after consulting with a doctor.
Relax the Pelvis: Lie flat on a mat with your back on the floor and arms by your side. Slowly and gradually take a deep breath and along with that lift your hips to about an inch above the floor. Maintain this position for about 5 seconds then exhale slowly while coming back to your original comfortable position. Repeat this exercise for about 5 more times.
Knee to Chest Exercise: Lie flat on a mat with your back on the floor and knees bent. Slowly lift one of your knees and bring it close to the chest with the help of both your hands. Maintain this position for about 10-15 seconds and release your foot back to its bent position. Repeat the same process with the other knee.
Having an anteverted uterus is common and it does not affect a woman’s fertility or her ability to get pregnant. If you are trying to get pregnant for long, get your uterus examined. In case of any doubt or confusion, consulting a gynaecologist is the best bet. So speak to your doctor about any problem that you may have and follow her instructions. Stay informed, eat healthy, exercise, and lead a healthy life!
Also Read: Bicornuate (Heart Shaped) Uterus Read more
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14 Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water For Weight Loss
They tell you to skip dinner, ditch carbs, load up proteins... have no salt till noon... eat only fruits for breakfast... impossible things that we should do to lose weight. But what if we told you that something as simple as water could help speed up your weight loss?
They tell you to skip dinner, ditch carbs, load up proteins... have no salt till noon... eat only fruits for breakfast... impossible things that we should do to lose weight, but which we may be able to follow only for a short while. And then comes the inevitable frustration of having gained back all that weight that you had somehow managed to shake off. But what if we told you that something as simple as water could help speed up your weight loss?
Hot Water For Weight Loss – 5 Ways It Works
While people may have told you time and again that drinking hot water – or rather warm water – will help you shed those kilos fast you might be wondering how this humble drink actually does the trick. Here are the answers you have been seeking!
Hot water boosts metabolism. It is the ideal way to kickstart your slowed down body processes.
Hot water breaks down fat. The temperature of the water helps to mobilise fat molecules, making them easier to be burnt.
Hot water curbs appetite. So one way to use hot water for weight loss is to drink a cup of hot water about 30 minutes before a meal.
Hot water curbs cravings because it makes you feel full. So the next time you crave for something and find yourself fighting an uncontrollable urge to binge, have a cup of hot water and hold on for 20 minutes.
Finally, hot water maintains body temperature. Of course, if the water is too hot (or too cold for that matter), it is going to hamper your digestive system. But warm water (up to 50-degrees Celcius) is, in fact, beneficial in maintaining body processes at an optimum rate. This helps in proper digestion of food, assimilation of nutrients, and excretion of waste.
9 Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water
Now that we know how drinking hot water speeds up weight loss, let us look at a few other benefits of drinking warm water.
1. No more constipation
Warm water is perhaps the best and most natural laxative that is cost-free and does the job better than any other commercially available laxatives! It’s easy, and requires no effort, and has no side-effects! So why not give it a try?
2. Clean insides
Warm water has the same effect on the intestines that it does on greasy utensils – it helps clean out all the oil and gravy and masala that we Indians so love, but that is so bad for us health wise! The original, oldest detox drink, get in the habit of drinking a glass of hot water after a particularly heavy Indian meal.
3. Better circulation
Ever noticed the glow that comes to your skin – especially your face – when you have something hot? Warm water has the same effect on your skin... but in a healthy way. It boosts blood circulation and keeps your skin looking fresh.
4. Anti-ageing strategy!
Yes, ladies! Instead of spending big bucks on those expensive anti-ageing creams, just get in the habit of drinking warm water through-out the day. Warm water helps in flushing the toxins out of the body more efficiently than normal or cold water can, leaving you looking younger!
5. No more dryness
While water is important for proper hydration of skin (and we all know it), it is warm water that’s the best solution for skin dryness.
6. Bye-bye acne
As mentioned earlier, warm water flushes toxins out of the body. No toxins mean no acne and pimples!
7. Clear nose and throat
Along with inhaling steam, it also helps to drink warm water when you have a cold and/or a cough. Not only does it soothe the irritated throat, it also helps in decongestion of the nose. Colds can have a surprisingly dehydrating effect on the body, and drinking warm water takes care of that too.
8. Relief from menstrual cramps
Many women will be familiar with the practice of using a hot water bag when those menstrual cramps seem hell-bent on ruining your day! A better solution, however, is to drink hot water, rather than place it on your womb. Let the magic happen from within!
9. Better hair growth
Warm water, as explained before, boost blood circulation, and that is how it promotes hair growth. The reason hair growth is poor in most women is due to poor blood circulation (which in turn means poor nutrition for the scalp and hair).
4 Tips To Use Hot Water for Weight Loss Plan
So now you know how drinking warm water benefits not only your body but also your weight loss goals! But how should you go about actually incorporating this habit and making it a part of your daily routine? Here are 5 tips to use hot water for weight loss.
Start your day with a glass of warm water. It is the easiest and safest way to ‘wake up’ your body.
Consider additives like lemon, mint leaves, etc. for additional benefits. Particularly for weight loss, squeezing half a lemon into a glass of warm water is recommended.
Drink warm water 20 minutes before a meal, and 30 minutes after a heavy meal. Before a meal, the warm water cuts back calorie intake up to 13%. After the meal, the warm water helps aid digestion and also prevents the oily and spices in the food from causing any digestion problems.
Drink warm water before bed. This helps to calm down nerves, and ensure deep sleep. Sleep is very important and closely linked to weight loss.
Precautions When You Drink Hot Water
Now that you know all the benefits of drinking warm water, let us look at what precautions you need to take while adopting this healthy lifestyle change.
Do not drink excessively hot water!
Do not drink water while standing – whether hot, warm, or cold. It can give stomach cramps and sharp, shooting pain in the limbs.
Do not substitute your morning hot water cuppa with hot tea or coffee instead (even if it is black tea/coffee, without sugar). Tea or coffee will not do for you, what a cup of warm water will.
Never gulp the water down in one go. Doing so will cause your body to simply throw it out, without really absorbing it on a cellular level. Always sip on your water.
FAQs
1. Does hot water help in reducing belly fat?
Yes. However, it is important to remember that you cannot merely depend on your water to move your fat – you have to move it too, through proper nutrition and exercise! 1 cup of warm water (around 250ml) burns only about 12 calories. However, the habit of drinking warm water brings about a lot of positive bodily changes, which actually bring about the anticipated weight loss.
2. Is drinking hot water beneficial for the skin?
Yes. As explained earlier, warm water improves blood circulation, giving your skin a natural healthy glow.
3. How much hot water should I drink a day for weight loss?
About 3 cups of warm water through the day is ideal. There are a lot of people who drink warm water throughout the day, on a daily basis. This is, of course, a wonderful lifestyle change to adapt. However, in summers this might be difficult to abide by. On hot days, try and drink water that is at room temperature. Finally, if that too cannot quench your thirst, consider using a cube of ice in a tall glass of water (instead of dunking an entire glass of cold water).
When you are trying to lose weight, every single tiny step counts. Take one today, by adopting drinking hot water not just as a habit to lose weight, but as a positive lifestyle change. Read more
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12 Signs You Definitely Have a High-needs Baby
Most mothers of babies with high-needs don't realise that their munchkins are difficult to take care of, until they encounter other moms and their oh-so-ordinary babies. If you've schedule goes haywire and your world keeps changing every day, then here's the news breaker - you have a high-needs baby.
Today, we will tell you about the signs of a high-maintenance babies.
Common Characteristics of a High-needs Baby
From screaming out of nowhere to not napping at all, here are 12 tell-tale signs of a high-needs baby that you must watch out for.
1. He is Never Silent
If you put your baby on the floor or bed and go to another room for a few minutes, your baby cries like anything until you come back to the room and take him in your arms, then he is a high-needs baby. Sometimes, he may keep crying even after you have taken him in your arms. His cries increase by the hour, day-after-day. Sometimes you just wish you had earmuffs, but hey - they're not going to help you for long.
2. He Always Wants To Move
Stillness is not his forte. You have to cradle him in your arms or constantly take him out for walks on strollers. Such babies, if you stop for a single minute, they get cranky. The best advice we can give is to buy a baby tricycle or a swing or any sort of product that gets them to move.
3. He Always Wants Mommy
High-Maintenance baby may choose one parent almost always and it's usually the mom. Sometimes, he may ask for his dad, but the chances are rare. This means moms will have a tough time since they'll be expected to hold the baby and keep munchkins near them all the time. Get a baby carrier to free up your hands since this phase won't be stopping anytime soon. You can trust us on that.
4. He Hates Overstimulation
Although high-needs babies are hyperactive, they don't appreciate it when their environment becomes like them. What we mean is that they don't like a crowd, noisy rooms, and a lot of people smiling and greeting them. If you're having a gathering in the house or going out to busy places, make sure to have a babysitter or someone to take care of him. Yes, the crying will be there, but it'll be less. Try to make sure the next day is peaceful though since he’ll be craving calm after the crying and noises.
5. Sleep Times Are Chaotic
This is a clear tell-tale sign. Most normal babies have a regular sleeping schedule and some take naps frequently too. But no, not a high-maintenance one. Sometimes he may sleep around 5 pm to 6 pm while at other times, he may sleep at 3 am. The time when he will sleep cannot be predicted, but one thing's for sure - when you expect him to fall asleep he’ll stay awake and vice versa. And that's not easy to deal with.
6. He doesn't Accept Formula Milk
High-maintenance babies always want to be breastfed. They don't take no for an answer and they shove away the milk formula when you hand it to them. The breastfeeding tendency has more to do with comfort rather than hunger. Constantly breastfeeding makes them feel as if they're closer to the parent, and warm and safe. It's a basic human contact or an instinctive desire to feel protected. But for moms, your days are going to get more tiring on the other hand.
7. He Wants Stimulation
We just mentioned a few pointers ago that these babies hate stimulation, which is true, but only when it comes from the outside or is directed towards them. But when it comes to themselves, they want it. Some days your baby may want a quiet day with low ambient lighting in the house. Other days, he may want to move around, crawl room to room, or destroy those fancy baby toys you got for him.
8. He will Never Stay Alone
Your baby may also never stay alone. Even if you have to use the bathroom, he might come along. Whether you go to your fitness centre, to a friend's house, or just grocery shopping, your little munchkin may make your life miserable unless you take him with you.
9. He Doesn't Know How To Self-Soothe
High-needs babies have higher needs when it comes to soothing themselves. Pacifiers, baby toys, and flashy and colourful stuff that you show him won't work. The best way to soothe is the old-fashioned way with mom and dad by his side.
10. He Poops Randomly
Normal babies show you signs and go red-faced right before they're about to poop. Their bowel movements are like clockwork, but the same cannot be said for high-need babies. They'll soil their diapers and wet their beds without warning. If there's one thing that's clockwork about them - it's their erratic pooping routines.
11. He Hates To Be Swaddled
Most babies love being swaddled. It takes them back to their days inside the womb and makes them feel warm, comfy, and cosy. But high-needs babies may not like being swaddled. If you've tried to swaddle your baby in breezy or cosy material, you'll notice him throwing a fuss. The best solution is to make sure the carrier has room to move his legs around and lets them dangle.
12. His Cries Incessantly If His Needs Aren't Met
This is the clearest sign you've got a high-needs baby. His needs take precedence over everything else in your life. And if you don't attend to him, your life becomes a living nightmare since the cries and outbursts get louder to the point of insanity. You'll also sometimes feel as if he’s the one in control since everything goes at his pace, from feeding and sleeping to rocking and playing.
Don't worry, it won't last forever. The good news is high needs baby and intelligence traits are connected the more they mature!
How to Deal with Your High-needs Baby
Do you have a high-needs baby? Does he throw tantrum all the time? Here's how to deal with it.
1. Make Time for Yourself
Sometimes taking care of your high needs baby may zap the energy out of you. And you won't be able to take care of him if you don't take care of yourself first. The best way to go about this is to take him to the areas surrounded by greenery and people. Take him for a stroll in the park and let him interact with kids while you spend a few minutes meditating or simply breathing.
2. Be a "Yes" Mom
If your baby wants a diaper change, do it without fuss. If he wants to be breastfed, do it. For a few months agree to everything your baby wants. If you respond to your baby's needs rather than react, they'll get the message that you care. Wean off the "yes" responses and start saying no when it's inappropriate. Do this when they get a few months older though.
3. Learn to Read Cues
If your baby prefers specific foods and textures and cries when you give him formula, analyse that. Observe him. Find out what makes him happy and what makes him throw tantrums. Be patient with the process and learn his preferences.
4. Journal Your Feelings
Once your baby falls asleep and you get some time for yourself, journal your thoughts and feelings. Write down whatever you feel. Let everything out on paper. Try this brain-drain activity and you'll feel refreshed after the experience.
5. Hire a Babysitter
If you can find a babysitter who gets along with your baby, hire her. Let her take care of your munchkin few days of the week. You deserve some time off, after all.
6. Find a Support Group
Find a support group and meet like-minded moms who are going through the same trouble. You'll meet new people and find tips that work well for your high-needs baby.
7. Remember That Your Child is Unique
A high-needs baby is a unique baby. Don't compare him with the rest of the babies in the world. Treat your baby with a mindset that your little one is different and he needs special attention and care.
Putting in the time for your munchkin and attending to his needs will pay off in the long run. When the years pass by, you'll look back and actually start missing this time.
FAQs
Asking questions is healthy and indicates that you want to learn. Here are some frequently asked questions by our readers.
1. What Are the Reasons for a Baby To Be High Maintenance?
High-maintenance babies are more sensitive than other babies on an innate level. This causes them to cry as they crave more stimulation. One of the common reasons behind high-maintenance babies is emotional trauma during pregnancy or when the mother experienced a lot of stress prior to giving birth.
2. Is There a Difference Between Colicky and High-needs Baby?
Yes, a colicky baby cries for more than three hours a day while a high-needs baby may cry much more than that. The sleeping pattern of a high needs baby sleep timings are erratic too when compared to colicky munchkins and their behaviours are more unpredictable.
3. Do High-needs Babies Have Anxiety on Growing Up?
Not really. Most parents report saying that their high-needs babies grow up to become independent and fantastic individuals. Since you're caring for his needs constantly and giving him the love and affection a parent is meant to give, he'll grow up feeling secure and confident.
4. Why Does a High-needs Baby Need to Constantly Breastfeed?
This has more to do with the comfort aspect and the feeling of being close to you. It doesn't mean they're hungry because even if they're not, they'll still breastfeed to stay near you.
To conclude, high-needs babies just need more love and attention than the rest. Enjoy this time even if it feels hard because yes, there will be a day when you will miss it.
Also Read:
How to Make Life Easier with Newborn Baby
Why Babies Need to be Held All The Time
Effective Tips for Dealing With Crying Baby Read more
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Epilepsy in Children
Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide and is characterised by spontaneous seizures that may range from brief, almost undetectable movement to vigorous trembling that continues for a long duration. These seizures may also cause the individual to lose consciousness or experience muscle spasms.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that causes unprecedented seizures, along with frequent and sudden instances of sensory disruption. It is known to affect people of all ages and is the fourth most prevalent neurological condition.
What Are Epilepsy Seizures In Children And Its Types?
In children, epilepsy seizures can occur in various forms and can also affect any part of the body. Based on which area of the brain is affected, seizures can be of two types– generalised and focal.
Generalised seizures
These seizures affect the neurons on both sides of the brain causing convulsions that can range from mild to severe and can occasionally result in loss of consciousness.
Generalised seizures include:
Atonic seizures– Here the muscles go limp making the person plummet to the ground.
Absence seizures – These rare seizures cause the person to remain unusually still and stare blankly ahead.
Myoclonic fits– These fits cause the body to experience muscle spasms or sudden jerks in a specific part of the body.
Clonic seizures– These cause sudden jerks and spasms in the child’s body that may be visible as regular and repeated, flexing and releasing of the arms, elbows, and legs.
Tonic seizures– Tonic seizures can make the body arch back and cause difficulty in breathing and also makes the person lose consciousness.
Tonic-clonic seizures– These seizures are also called Grand Mal seizures and are the toughest of the lot. They begin with loss of consciousness and further lead to the tonic and the clonic phases.
Focal seizures
These seizures, also called partial seizures, affect the brain cells on only one side of the brain and as a result, affect only a part of the body. Focal epilepsy in children can be classified into four categories
Focal aware seizures: These are also called simple partial seizures and children stay conscious and aware during these seizures.
Focal motor seizures: These can cause the child to experience repetitive twitching, spasms or may even cause movements like clapping or rubbing hands.
Focal impaired aware seizures: These complex partial seizures cause confusion and loss of memory. The children will likely not remember the episode.
Focal non-motor seizures: These seizures are characterised by intense emotions, goosebumps, a feeling that the heart is racing or abrupt waves of cold or heat.
What Happens During a Seizure?
There are millions of neurons present in the brain that send out electric signals to control the various functions of the human body. An epileptic episode is caused due to disruption in the transmission of these electric signals to and from the brain. A severe burst of electrical signals in the brain hamper their flow causing seizures on the part of the brain affected.
What is Childhood Epilepsy Syndrome?
If a child’s seizures are defined or identified by a specific set of features that take place simultaneously, then it is called a childhood epilepsy syndrome. These particular signs may include their age, the type of seizure, possible learning disabilities and the patterns on the EEG (electroencephalogram).
What Are the Different Types of Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes?
Childhood epilepsy syndromes are of various kinds and vary as per the symptoms prevalent.
1. Childhood and Juvenile Absence Epilepsies
This epilepsy syndrome has an onset age that is between four to ten years and is characterised by sudden stillness and staring spells. Also called as ‘petit mal’ epilepsy, it is usually outgrown.
2. Benign Rolandic Epilepsy
This epilepsy causes focal seizures in the mouth, face and cause speech impairment or drooling. The seizures usually happen while the child is asleep or when he wakes up in the morning. The onset age of this epilepsy is five to ten years and in most cases, it is outgrown.
3. Infantile Spasms
Also called West’s syndrome, these occur within the first year after the baby is born. This epilepsy causes severe jerks in the baby’s body and may cause the baby to fall forward. This kind of epilepsy is considered dangerous as it associated with other epilepsy and cause developmental delays.
4. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
This kind of epilepsy can occur at any age. These are focal seizures that can include both simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures characterised by staring and confusion or loss of memory.
Research has indicated that these seizures, when prevalent over a long period of time, can cause damage to the hippocampus area of the brain, which is associated with memory and learning. Hence, it is best treated immediately.
5. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
This form of epilepsy is known to start in the teenage years and give rise to generalised seizures. The seizures may include myoclonic jerks, tonic-clonic seizures or even absence seizures in some cases. These seizures can be controlled with medication and become less severe with age.
6. Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
These seizures happen while the child is asleep and may include short, recurring seizures with severe body movements. They seizures can begin at any age.
7. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
This difficult to treat epilepsy has an onset age of one to eight years. The seizures are known to be resistant to epileptic drugs and often require alternate treatments and surgery. These are generalised seizures that are characterised by a combination of different seizures and often cause development delays and behavioural issues.
What Are the Causes of Epilepsy in Kids?
The causes of epilepsy may be different in different children and tend to differ by age. While some forms of epilepsy are genetic, there are many idiopathic epilepsies that have unknown causes.
Certain children develop epilepsy due to genetic reasons by the transfer of genes. However, the exact cause of seizures due to genes is not known as yet.
Head injuries may result in seizures.
Conditions that may cause damage to the brain, like some fevers, brain tumours and infection may also result in epilepsy.
Some developmental disorders like Angelman’s syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Down’s syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis may also raise the possibility of epilepsy.
Changes in the brain structure are the cause of epilepsy in about three to ten percent of the cases. Children born with such structural changes may develop epilepsy.
Children with autism may also experience epilepsy seizures in three to ten percent of the cases.
Congenital disorders and chemical imbalances in the body may also cause seizures in infants.
Epilepsy Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of epilepsy depend on the area of the brain that is affected. Epilepsy triggers in children may vary and can cause symptoms that can be characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms
Motor symptoms
These include:
Sudden jerks
Abrupt twitching of the muscles
Numbness or weakness in the muscles
Spasms
Stiffening of muscles
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Issues with breathing
Speech impairment
Repeated actions like clapping or rubbing hands
Loss of consciousness
Non-motor or absence symptoms
These include:
Sudden and intense emotional changes
Loss of awareness
Blank stares and rapid eye blinks
Lack of response
Sudden confusion
How is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
The diagnosis Epilepsy diagnosis includes complete medical evaluation paired with a diagnostic testing regimen. The doctors may also take information on the medical history of the family and details of when the seizure occurred.
Diagnostic tests include
Electroencephalogram (EEG): This is a procedure where the electrical activity in the brain is recorded with the help of electrodes that are attached to the child’s scalp. This test provides a wave pattern that can indicate the presence of epilepsy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test is done if there is suspicion of lesions in the brain to get a detailed image of the brain.
Blood tests: Blood tests can point to any infections that may be present in the brain that may possibly cause seizures
Neurological tests: The doctor may conduct a neurological test to map the cognitive functions, motor abilities and the behavioural patterns of the child to verify the type of epilepsy.
Computerised Tomography (CT or CAT): These scans provide a cross-sectional image of the brain and point out to any tumours, bleeding or cysts in the brain that may be the cause of seizures.
Lumbar Puncture or Spinal Tap: This test is used to extract a small amount of the cerebral spinal fluid, which is then tested for infections.
Functional MRI: This test identifies the changes in the flow of blood to various parts of the brain and can indicate the area of the brain that is affected.
Epilepsy Treatment
Epileptic treatment for the child will be determined keeping in mind the age, type of seizures, medical history, overall health and extent of the condition. Some of the usual courses of treatments used as a cure for epilepsy in children include:
Anti-epileptic Medicines
Anti-epileptic drugs are used to control and minimise the frequency of the seizures. Very often these medications are effective in controlling seizures and are usually recommended to be continued for at least two years after the seizures stop.
These drugs are prescribed by the doctors bearing in mind the age of the child, the type, and severity of the condition, apart from other factors. Anti-epileptic drugs have been successful in 80 percent of the cases in helping the patients become free of seizures.
Ketogenic Diet
Children who are resistant to medications may be placed on a ketogenic diet. This is a high fat-low carb diet that breaks down fat instead of carbs, inducing a state of ketosis. This is found to reduce the occurrence of seizures.
Surgery
When the child does not respond to medications or diet changes, surgery may be recommended. Immediate surgery can also be conducted if the child has seizure causing lesions in the brain.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation or VNS Therapy
Children who do not respond to the above courses of treatment and are not cleared for surgery may be suggested the VNS therapy. This therapy is usually used for children over 12 years.
In this procedure, an electronic pulse generator is surgically placed in the chest wall. This device sends electric impulses through the vagus nerve to the brain every few minutes to control seizures. The impulses can be activated during a seizure episode by holding a magnet over the device.
Effects of Childhood Epilepsy on Your Kid’s Life
Children with epilepsy can and should be encouraged to take an active part in activities. In instances where certain Epilepsy triggers in children like stress or excitement may pose a challenge, general precautions can be taken. It is important to understand that,
A child with epilepsy has the same abilities and intelligence as other children unless epilepsy has caused learning disabilities.
Behavioural issues in the child can be caused due to epilepsy and it is recommended to seek the help of an epilepsy counsellor to overcome these. Here are some tips.
While a child with epilepsy can enjoy most sports and games, it is best to take necessary precautions based on the seizures of the child and ensure adult supervision at all times.
How May Your Child Feel Due to Epilepsy?
A child whose seizures are difficult to control may experience loss of energy, fatigue and develop attention and behavioural issues. The social skills and learning abilities of the child may also get hampered causing him to have low self-esteem. Children with controlled seizures are also often prone to emotional difficulties and have issues with behaviour and learning. It is important for the family to provide ample support to their children in these aspects and to help them overcome these challenges.
Changes in Epileptic Seizures as a Child gets Older
Some children experience what is called a ‘spontaneous remission’ as they get older where their seizures cease and they outgrow epilepsy. Others may see a change in the frequency and type of their seizures. Children who have been taking anti-epileptic drugs may also turn seizure-free and be recommended to discontinue the medication.
Dos And Don’ts When Your Child Has an Epileptic Seizure
Epilepsy can be challenging to take care of and control and hence it is essential to prepare yourself to manage your child when he has a seizure. These are the dos and don’ts that can help you get through the episode:
Dos:
Lay your child on the floor carefully and remove any objects around him to prevent injury.
Turn the child on his side to prevent choking due to vomit or saliva.
Loosen any collar or tie around the neck to help with the breathing.
Track the duration of the seizure
Call the doctor after the seizure or if the seizure lasts longer than three minutes.
Stay with the child throughout the duration of the seizure.
Don’ts:
Do not panic.
Don’t try to stop the shaking or restrict the movement of the child’s body while he’s having a seizure, it may result in injuries or make him uncomfortable.
Don’t put anything in the child’s mouth as he may choke on it.
Don’t give the child food, medicine or fluids when he’s having a seizure to prevent choking.
Don’t force open the mouth during a tonic seizure as it may cause injury to your child or block his airways.
What is Ketogenic Diet and What it Includes?
A ketogenic diet is a high fat-low carb diet where about 90% of the calories come from fat. This fat is burned to make ketones, which is used as an alternate source of energy from the brain and heart functioning. It is important to limit carbohydrates in the diet very strictly, as it may hamper the progress of the diet.
Keto diet includes high-fat food items like butter, cheese, bacon, among others. You can also include the ground vegetables, meat, nuts and seeds, avocados, in addition to other high-fat foods.
How Long Can the Ketogenic Diet be Followed?
A ketogenic diet is usually prescribed for two years after which the child can be slowly transitioned back to a normal diet with the help of a dietician.
How to Prevent Epileptic Seizures in Your Child?
It is essential that you recognise triggers of seizures in your child and exercise caution to avoid these triggers.
Ensure that your child is rested well as sleep deprivation can be a cause of seizures.
Prevent injuries to the head with protective gears such as helmets when riding or using a skateboard.
Remind your child to walk and step with caution to prevent falls.
Avoid bright lights and loud noises as they may trigger seizures.
Do not miss giving anti-seizure medication to your child at the same time every day.
As stress may trigger seizures, teach your child some techniques to manage stress.
When to Consult the Doctor?
Consult your doctor immediately if,
The child has a seizure that lasts over three minutes. This is because the child may have entered a prolonged life-threatening seizure called status epilepticus.
The child is not breathing for more than 30 seconds
If a head injury resulted in a seizure because there may be damage to the brain during the process.
There is no response from the child for over an hour and if your child is confused, nauseous or has fever and vomiting.
Things to Remember
It is essential to keep these things in mind if your child is diagnosed with epilepsy:
Epilepsy can be confused with other conditions. Hence it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.
The extent and type of epilepsy seizures are different for different children. Always keep in mind the specifics of your child’s condition
Most seizures can be controlled with anti-epileptic drugs and the children can live a normal and healthy life.
Epilepsy in children differs from child to child and it is crucial to understand the specifications of your child’s condition thoroughly before administering treatment.
Also Read: Febrile Seizures in Kids Read more
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