Epilepsy
During an epileptic seizure, there is a brief disruption in the brain, like a ‘short circuit’. The brain suddenly becomes overactive and sends too many signals to the body at once. Your child may start jerking, make unusual movements, or not respond. We only speak of epilepsy if your child has had two or more seizures.
Different types of seizures
Generalized seizures: the entire brain is involved. Your child stiffens and then begins jerking their arms and legs.
Focal seizures: only part of the brain is involved. Your child may stare, make smacking sounds, or have trouble speaking clearly.
A focal seizure can sometimes develop into a generalized seizure.
Causes in children with cancer
Epilepsy can occur especially in children with a brain tumor or metastases in the brain. Increased pressure in the brain and certain medications, such as methotrexate, can also cause seizures. In most cases, these are focal seizures.
Treatment
Most children receive maintenance medication to prevent seizures. If a seizure does not stop on its own, you give rescue medication, such as midazolam nasal spray. The doctor prescribes this rescue medication.
What to do during a seizure
Stay calm, stay with your child, and do not touch your child unless he or she is in a dangerous place. Keep track of the time. Give rescue medication if a seizure lasts longer than three minutes. Call 112 if the seizure does not stop or if you are unsure what to do.
In the leaflet you can read what to do for different types of seizures and how to give the rescue medication.
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