- How do you know my child has epilepsy?
The term “epilepsy” is applied to children with recurrent seizures (>1) not owing to fever or other transient toxic/metabolic disturbance.
- Will my child always have epilepsy?
Depending on the circumstances, children may grow out of their seizure disorder. In many cases, anticonvulsants can be discontinued if the child has been seizurefree for 2 years.
- Why take an anticonvulsants?
The purpose of anticonvulsant medication is to prevent interference with normal behavior associated with brief seizures and/or accidents and to prevent status epilepticus.
- Why did my child’s seizures change?
In some epilepsy syndromes (e.g., absence), there is the possibility of having different types of seizures (i.e., staring type and convulsive type). Partial seizures often change as the child grow older, or under the influence of medication.
(Modified from 5-Minute Pediatric Consult book)