Question
A child in the neighborhood has epilepsy and their development is significantly slower than other children. Is this a consequence of epilepsy?
Answer
When a child experiences frequent and severe epilepsy seizures, their development may be affected. This is because abnormal electrical activity continuously interferes with normal brain function, impacting the brain’s ability to process external information. Controlling epilepsy seizures can partially reverse this impact. Some children with epilepsy may exhibit developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, which are consequences of the condition. If parents notice any behavioral abnormalities in their child, they should take them to the hospital for examination and treatment. The sooner epilepsy is treated, the less negative impact it will have on a child’s development.