Headaches & Epilepsy Specialist

What is childhood epilepsy?

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological disorders, and it originates in the brain. Your brain is filled with nerve cells that communicate through ongoing electrical activity. If a burst of electrical signalling occurs, a seizure happens.

Seizures can occur when anything interrupts the normal connections that exist between nerve cells in your brain. Examples include blood sugar levels that are too high or too low, concussions, or even a high fever. If a child experiences more than two seizures without a clear cause, epilepsy is often the diagnosis.

Epileptic seizures are classified into two types: focal and generalized. Focal seizures occur on only one side of the brain, while generalized seizures occur on both sides.

When should childhood headaches be diagnosed by a doctor?

Everyone experiences headaches from time to time, even kids. But when a child has frequent or intense headaches, it’s important to see a specialist to ensure there isn’t a serious medical issue at play. 

Tension headaches bring mild to moderate pain, usually on both sides of the head. The discomfort doesn’t grow worse with physical activity, and there are no additional symptoms. 

Cluster headaches are rare in kids, but when they do occur they bring sharp, stabbing pain on only one side of the head. These headaches occur in groups of five or more, which is how they get their name. 

A migraine technically isn’t a headache, but a collection of neurological symptoms that often includes a headache. The pain can throb or pulse, and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. 

How are headaches and epilepsy connected?

Researchers find that many children who have epilepsy also have migraines and vice versa. While the exact link isn’t known, one theory holds that the same issue that causes one of these conditions might also cause the other. 

It’s also believed that migraines can cause symptoms that appear to be seizures, or in fact, provoke a seizure. There’s significant misdiagnosis for children who show signs of both conditions, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced pediatric neurologist like Dr. Hasson. 

On-site EEG testing is available to evaluate the electrical activity in your child’s brain. The office also offers portable EEG equipment that allows diagnostic evaluation in your home, where your child feels most comfortable. 

If you have questions about headaches and epilepsy, call the office or schedule an appointment online.