Childhood Epilepsy Doctor in Hyderabad
Epilepsy in children is different from adults. Accurate diagnosis determines whether your child needs lifelong medication — or no medication at all.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children worldwide, affecting approximately 1% of all children. In India, the burden is significantly higher due to a greater prevalence of risk factors (birth asphyxia, CNS infections, genetic conditions). Sri Anand Hospital offers a unique combined paediatric and neurology service — Dr. Sushma B and Dr. Anand Karnam work together so children receive both paediatric and neurological expertise without needing multiple hospital referrals.
Key Points
- Childhood epilepsy often differs from adult epilepsy — absence spells, infantile spasms, and rolandic epilepsy are paediatric-specific.
- Many childhood epilepsy syndromes resolve naturally — a neurologist can advise when medication withdrawal is safe.
- Valproate is effective but avoided in girls of childbearing potential due to teratogenicity.
- Most children with epilepsy attend normal school and live completely normal lives on medication.
- In-house paediatric EEG allows accurate diagnosis without referring to a distant hospital.
70%
of childhood epilepsy becomes seizure-free on medication
Source: ILAE Guidelines
30%
of childhood epilepsy syndromes resolve without medication
Source: Paeds Neurology literature
Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes We Treat
Febrile Seizures
Seizures triggered by fever in children aged 6 months to 5 years. The most common type of childhood seizure. Simple febrile seizures are self-limiting and do not require antiepileptic medication.
Childhood Absence Epilepsy
Brief (5–30 second) staring spells, often multiple times per day, with immediate recovery. Onset typically 4–10 years, often in bright children. Very responsive to treatment with ethosuximide or valproate.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)
Morning myoclonic jerks (brief arm jerks on waking), generalised tonic-clonic seizures, and absence seizures in teenagers. Well-controlled with valproate or levetiracetam. Lifelong treatment usually required.
West Syndrome (Infantile Spasms)
Clusters of brief spasms in infants aged 3–12 months. Often misrecognised as colic or startle. A neurological emergency requiring urgent treatment — outcome depends on speed of diagnosis.
Focal Epilepsy
Seizures originating in one part of the brain. May present as unilateral movements, head or eye turning, or automatisms. Cause includes cortical dysplasia, tuberous sclerosis, or previous infection.
Paediatric Epilepsy Care at Sri Anand
Paediatric EEG
In-house EEG interpreted by Dr. Anand Karnam. We use techniques to ensure children cooperate — drowsy recordings, video EEG, and play-based electrode application for anxious children.
Age-Appropriate AED Selection
Antiepileptic drug selection in children differs from adults — we consider growth effects, learning effects, mood effects, and formulation (liquid vs tablet). Valproate in girls requires careful discussion.
AED Withdrawal Planning
Many childhood epilepsy syndromes spontaneously remit. We review medication withdrawal at 2-year seizure-free intervals, carefully assessing the risk of relapse before stopping treatment.
School and Safety Guidance
Swimming supervision, helmet use, PE participation, exam concessions, and school staff seizure first aid training — we address all aspects of a child's life affected by epilepsy.
Emergency Action Plan
Written personalised seizure emergency plan for parents, school, and emergency services — including when to use emergency medication (buccal midazolam) and when to call an ambulance.
Why Choose Sri Anand Hospital?
Treated by: Dr. Sushma B · MD (Paediatrics) · PICU-Trained · Paediatric Epilepsy Specialist
"Epilepsy in a child affects the entire family. Parents are terrified at every bath time, every sports activity, every sleepover. My goal is to get seizures controlled — and then to give the family back their confidence. Most children with epilepsy live completely normal, active lives."
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Book Your Consultation Today
Sri Anand Child & Neuro Hospital · Open 24/7 · Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad