Epilepsy in a child with autism

Epilepsy may be one of the comorbidities in children with autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction and communication. Epilepsy, in turn, is characterized by repeated episodes of involuntary and unpredictable seizures.

In children with autism, epilepsy manifests itself in a variety of ways. For some, these are typical generalized tonic-clonic seizures with loss of consciousness and muscle contractions, while for others, more specific forms of epileptic seizures, such as seizures of epileptic activity without visible seizures or episodes of sensitivity to light or sound.

It is important to note that each case of epilepsy in a child with autism is unique, and consultation with a pediatrician and neurologist is recommended to obtain more specific information and develop an individualized treatment and support plan.

Symptoms

Children with autism are often susceptible to several additional problems, one of which is epilepsy. These children have a higher risk of developing epileptic seizures than ordinary children. Learning the symptoms and having awareness are important aspects for parents and pediatricians to promptly identify and manage these problems.

Here are some common symptoms of epilepsy that may occur in children with autism:

• Unusual tics and movements. Epilepsy may result in involuntary movements such as flapping, scratching, or turning the head. It is important to distinguish these movements from the stereotypical behavioral patterns associated with autism. The duration and intensity of these movements may vary, so parents and pediatricians should be alert to notice any changes and seek medical advice.
• Lack of gaze. Epilepsy can cause temporary loss of eye contact and gaze. Children with autism may already exhibit a lack of eye contact in their usual behavior, so it is important to monitor any changes in this aspect. If the absence of gaze becomes more frequent or prolonged, you should consult a doctor.
• Inattentiveness and inability to concentrate. Epileptic seizures can cause short-term disturbances in attention and concentration. In children with autism, who already have difficulty concentrating and inattentiveness, these symptoms can be difficult to identify. Paying attention to behavior changes and regular discussions with your doctor will help determine whether these symptoms are the result of epilepsy.
• Unusual sensory sensations. Children with autism often experience sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli—sounds, smells, textures. However, with epilepsy, these sensory sensations can become even more pronounced and cause discomfort or even seizures. It is important to note any changes in your child's responses to sensory stimuli and discuss them with your doctor.

Consultation with a pediatrician or epilepsy specialist can help you identify and manage symptoms of epilepsy and develop an individualized treatment plan for your child with autism. Regular monitoring of the condition, timely seeking of medical help, and parental support will significantly reduce risks and increase the baby's quality of life.

Prevention

It is important to remember that prevention in this case is limited and is based on avoiding triggers and maintaining the overall well-being of the child:

• Temperature control: With viral infections, it is especially important to be attentive to changes in body temperature. Monitor the child's condition and use temperature-lowering methods if necessary. This includes using antipyretics and cooling techniques, such as bathing in water at room temperature, to prevent sudden fluctuations in body temperature.
• Regular visits to the doctor: Regular scheduled examinations with a pediatrician and neurologist will help monitor the condition of epilepsy and autism in a child. If any problems or changes in condition occur, it is important to tell your doctor.
• Reduce stress: Managing stress can help reduce the possibility of epileptic seizures. Developing a consistent schedule and implementing relaxation strategies such as breathing exercises, massage, or meditation are helpful, as are providing the child access to safe environments and support for emotional well-being.

Suppose you have concerns or questions about your child's epilepsy and autism. In that case, seeking advice and guidance from experienced healthcare professionals such as a VIVERE CLINIC pediatrician and neurologist who can offer a personalized and clear care and treatment strategy is important.

Treatment

Treatment of epilepsy in children with autism involves a combination of different approaches, including medical therapy and management of physical factors. Here are some of the main treatments used in such cases:

1. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). A doctor who specializes in treating children with epilepsy and autism may prescribe a specific AED based on the characteristics of the seizures and the child's general condition. The dosage and type of drug are determined based on the individual needs and responses of the patient.
2. Exclusion of a somatic factor that can provoke an epileptic seizure. For example, infections, other medical conditions, or metabolic changes can cause seizures. If a somatic factor is detected, the doctor will take measures to eliminate or manage it to prevent epileptic attacks.
3. Individual approach to treatment. Rates of autism and epilepsy in children can vary greatly. Therefore, it is important to consider each patient's needs when developing a treatment plan. To reduce the frequency and intensity of epileptic seizures and improve overall quality of life, doctors choose the most appropriate methods and drugs in each individual case.
4. Regular observation and adjustment of treatment. The doctor will regularly evaluate the child's condition, analyze the treatment results, and, if necessary, adjust the dosage or choose other AEDs or methods.

It is important to remember that each patient is unique, and treatment for epilepsy in children with autism must be individualized. Parents and pediatricians should work closely with doctors to discuss any changes in symptoms and treatment effectiveness to ensure the best outcome and well-being of the child.

Recommendations

If your child is diagnosed with autism and suffers from epilepsy, we recommend contacting an epileptologist at VIVERE CLINIC for consultation after an electroencephalogram (EEG). An epileptologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy who can provide expert advice and help determine the best treatment plan for your child. It is important to see a qualified healthcare provider to ensure your child receives the best medical intervention and appropriate therapy.

Price

VIVERE CLINIC specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in children with autism. We are proud of our highly qualified specialists and individual approach to each patient. We understand the importance of a transparent pricing policy and taking into account the financial capabilities of patients. We are ready to discuss the cost of treatment, consider payment options, and help patients find the most affordable solutions. It is important to note that treatment costs may vary depending on each patient's specific situation and needs. We recommend that you contact our specialist to obtain more accurate information about the cost of treatment of epilepsy in children with autism at VIVERE CLINIC.