The Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey is a team of board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons who provide expert care for a variety of pediatric neurological conditions, including post-traumatic epilepsy. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment techniques to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
The Physical Impact
Post-traumatic epilepsy is a type of seizure disorder that develops following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In children, TBIs can occur due to falls, sports-related incidents, car accidents, or other head injuries. While many children recover without long-term effects, some may experience seizures weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury. These seizures can impact cognitive development, learning, and everyday activities, making early diagnosis and appropriate management essential.
How Common Is This Condition?
Post-traumatic epilepsy is relatively rare in the general pediatric population but can be a significant concern for those who have experienced moderate to severe head injuries. Risk factors for developing this condition include the severity of the trauma, the presence of skull fractures or intracranial bleeding, and individual variations in healing and neurological recovery.
Risk Factors:
- Moderate to severe head trauma
- Penetrating head injuries or skull fractures
- Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in or around the brain)
- Pre-existing neurological or genetic predispositions
- Inadequate or delayed medical intervention after a head injury
Signs and Symptoms
Children with post-traumatic epilepsy may experience various seizure types, ranging from focal to generalized seizures. Symptoms can include:
- Sudden loss of consciousness or responsiveness
- Stiffening and jerking of limbs (tonic-clonic seizures)
- Staring spells or absence seizures
- Sensory disturbances (e.g., tingling, numbness, vision changes)
- Brief muscle contractions or twitches (myoclonic seizures)
- Confusion or fatigue following a seizure
How We Diagnose
At the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, diagnosing post-traumatic epilepsy begins with a thorough assessment of your child's medical history, the circumstances of the head injury, and their current seizure patterns. Our diagnostic steps often include:
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): Monitors abnormal brainwave activity indicative of seizure disorders.
- MRI or CT Scans: Evaluates structural changes, such as scarring or lesions, that might contribute to seizures.
- Neuropsychological Evaluations: Assesses cognitive and behavioral function, which can be impacted by both the injury and the seizures.
- Detailed Clinical History: Includes reviewing the nature of the trauma, recovery period, and timeline of seizure onset.
Through this comprehensive approach, we can confirm a post-traumatic epilepsy diagnosis and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Managing post-traumatic epilepsy focuses on controlling seizures, promoting neurological recovery, and maintaining your child's quality of life. Possible treatments include:
- Anti-Seizure Medications: Often the first line of treatment, tailored to specific seizure types.
- Lifestyle Modifications and Therapy: Regular follow-ups, rehabilitation therapies, and strategies to reduce seizure triggers.
- Medical Devices: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or other neuromodulatory options may help if seizures are difficult to control with medication alone.
- Surgical Intervention: In certain cases, specialized epilepsy surgery may be considered if a distinct seizure focus is identified.
- Supportive Care: Collaboration with therapists, educators, and counselors to address any learning or emotional challenges that arise.
At the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach ensures that each child's individual needs and recovery goals are prioritized.
Our Commitment to Your Child's Health
“I am neurosurgeon living in New Jersey, board-certified by both the American Board of Neurosurgery (ABNS) and Pediatric Neurosurgery (ABPNS). I specialize in the surgical treatment of complex epilepsy and serve as the Director of the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, Chief of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery at Sanzari Children's Hospital, and Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children's Hospital of NJ, where I provide exceptional care for children with complex neurological conditions. Your child's health and well-being are our top priorities.”
