Childhood epilepsies: What should a pediatrician know?

Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2017 Jan;22(1):14-19. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2017.1.20160244.

Abstract

Seizures in children are among the most common neurological disorders. A pediatrician should know how to approach a child who presents with a seizure. This review will focus on points that are important in the evaluation of children who have experienced seizures. A comprehensive and neurologically focused framework for history taking and a thorough clinical examination are the cornerstones in diagnosing and managing seizures. This article reviews the clinical approach to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of epilepsy in children, excluding neonatal seizures. A pediatrician should also be aware of common epilepsy syndromes that occur in children such as Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centro-Temporal Spikes, and childhood absence epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Competence
  • Disease Management*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pediatrics / education*
  • Pediatrics / methods*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants