REACT Video Resources

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain. In this video, Dr. Abdelmoity, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, discusses common symptoms, how epilepsy is diagnosed and next steps for those with the condition.

Seizures are caused by chemical changes in the brain that lead to surges of electrical activity. Hear Dr. Abdelmoity, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, explain what happens when a child experiences a seizure and what to do and keep track of when one occurs.

Lots of kids have seizures – but, having a seizure does not mean the child has epilepsy. In this video, Dr. Abdelmoity, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, describes the difference between a seizure and epilepsy, including the causes and how each are diagnosed.

Depending on where the seizure starts, the child's age, the underlying cause of the seizure and the timing, seizures can happen in different ways. Hear Dr. Le Pichon, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, describe the different kinds of seizures and what differentiates them. Additionally, learn more about the warning signs to watch for and share with your doctor.

There are things that can increase the chances your child with epilepsy will have a seizure, and one of them is stress. Adults need to keep in mind that stress is also very different for kids. Watch this video to hear Dr. Le Pichon, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, discuss how stress may impact seizure activity and the steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

When your child has a seizure, it is important to understand what you should and should not do. Follow the steps outlined by Erin Fecske, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Mercy, to ensure your child’s safety and learn about additional safety measures you can take to prevent emergencies.

At Children’s Mercy, we recommend seizure precautions for all children, but we have additional safety measures for teens. Adolescents are often beginning to drive, which can present additional challenges, and a variety of other factors also begin to emerge during this time. Hear Erin Fecske, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Mercy, discuss the factors to consider in this video.

Your child’s medical history and a good description of their seizures (including any video you are able to capture) are key to diagnosis. Watch this video featuring Dr. Le Pichon, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, as he explains the process for diagnosis and the tests associated.

Medications cannot cure epilepsy, but they are the most common way to manage seizures. Learn about the types of medications available and what factors help determine which option is best for you or your child in this video, featuring Erin Fecske, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Mercy.

For patients with drug resistant epilepsy – meaning their condition does not respond to medicine – other treatment options are available. Learn about neurostimulation and how it works in this video, featuring Dr. Bansal, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy.

As a comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Children’s Mercy uses the latest technology to pinpoint where a child’s seizures begin. The ROSA robot is one tool we leverage to achieve this. Hear Dr. Bansal, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, explain how the robot works and how the results can benefit your child.

Surgery is one treatment option that can be used to help children with drug resistant epilepsy, meaning their condition does not respond to medication. In this video, Dr. Bansal, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Mercy, explains the types of surgeries that are used and what patients can expect.

The Children’s Mercy ketogenic diet program is a medically prescribed, personalized diet plan that’s high in fats and very low in carbohydrates. The diet has been proven to improve quality of life for children with drug resistant epilepsy, meaning their condition does not respond to medicine. In this video, Chef Educator Rachel Finn describes the diet and details what children can expect from the program.

A tonic-clonic seizure is what most people think of when they picture a seizure. It’s a sudden attack that brings on intense muscle contractions, and causes the child to pass out. In this video, Erin Fecske, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Mercy, provides more information about this type of seizure and outlines what to do if your child is experiencing them.

An absence seizure is the most common seizure in patients with epilepsy. They can cause a child to briefly become unaware of what's happening around them, staring without moving, and appearing "absent." In this video, Erin Fecske, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Mercy, provides more information about this type of seizure and outlines what to do if your child is experiencing them.

While seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy, it’s important to recognize and treat other conditions closely related to the disorder. In this video, Erin Fecske, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Mercy, discusses common conditions seen in children with epilepsy, as well as how the condition can impact families.

As a Level IV Epilepsy Center, Children’s Mercy takes care of hundreds of kids each year with this disorder. Watch to hear Dr. Abdelmoity, Pediatric Neurologist, answer some of the most frequently asked questions raised by patients and families.