Epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder, most commonly begins in childhood, with causes and symptoms differing from child to child. This requires a precise diagnosis and tailor-made treatment to achieve the most effective results.
Diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, especially epilepsy, require a committed and experienced team of care providers.
Diagnosis
Our experienced pediatric neurologists require the patient’s medical history and details of the symptoms they have faced which, together with a comprehensive neurological examination to fully understand their condition, will be used to recommend tests best suited for their condition.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most common test to identify seizure type in epilepsy patients. During the test, electrodes are affixed to the patient’s scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity.
Our specialist may also recommend a CT or MRI scan of the brain to help reach a more accurate diagnosis and in order to identify the exact seizure points.
Our long-term EEG Monitoring Unit (EMU) monitors patients with multiple seizure types or candidates who are suited for surgical treatment. Patients are continuously monitored using EEG to observe brain function and maturity, and identify all seizure points.
Patients with drug resistant forms of epilepsy or other forms of the condition, including those with underlying symptoms, must undergo long-term EEG screening to identify the root cause of their seizures. Doing so can be extremely beneficial in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
Genetic Testing
Some types of epilepsy require additional genetic testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Samitivej Children’s Hospital has such testing available, which is highly accurate and thorough in detecting a multitude of genetic disorders. Genetic testing can also be of benefit to parents who are planning on having more children.
Some children will experience temporary motor deficits after surgery. This requires optimal preoperative, postoperative and follow-up care, and is the main reason that rehabilitation is an important part of the treatment process for epileptic children. Our Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists Teams work closely with the patient and their family as soon as they are cleared after neurosurgery. Our treatment goal is to maximize cognitive function and obtain the best quality of life for children with epilepsy.
Samitivej Hospital won the ‘Best Hospital in Pediatrics and Best Physiotherapist’ Award from Middle East Healthcare in 2016 and 2017
Children with less severe cases may fully recover after 2 years of medication, but for some complex cases they may need lifelong medication. In the latter case, those with focal seizure whose symptoms may be controlled with ASM may also opt for surgery as a treatment option, allowing a reduction in medication and complications in some children.
Our experienced pediatric neurologists provide proper assistance to all our patients, physically and virtually. The patient and caretakers can discuss their situation with us before they visit through the hospital’s virtual consultation channel to save time and effort and to quickly begin receiving proper treatment.