Premium
Special considerations for a first seizure in childhood and adolescence
Author(s) -
Camfield Peter,
Camfield Carol
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01449.x
Subject(s) - epilepsy , pediatrics , electroencephalography , epileptic seizure , psychology , partial seizures , differential diagnosis , medicine , complex partial seizures , psychiatry , pathology , temporal lobe
SummaryChildren with a first unprovoked seizure almost always present with a convulsive seizure. The differential diagnosis includes many paroxysmal events, especially convulsive syncope but even with a good history; there is often uncertainty that cannot be eliminated by investigations. In general, an EEG and MRI are indicated with other investigations determined on a case‐by‐case basis. Epilepsy syndrome identification may be very valuable. Current literature allows at least partial answers to parents' six most common questions: Will it happen again? How long do I have to wait for a recurrence? Could my child die during a recurrence? Could there be brain damage with a recurrence? If medication treatment is delayed will there be any long‐term change in the chance of a permanent remission? Now that my child has had a seizure, how should his/her activities be restricted?