Highlights & Basics
- Seizures in children may occur as a standalone event or may recur (epilepsy).
- Etiology can be structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune, or unknown.
- An attempt should be made to identify the type(s) of epilepsy and the epilepsy syndrome by recognizing a pattern of seizure types, clinical features, etiologies, and electroencephalogram characteristics.
- Detailed history is of paramount importance in the diagnosis, as key diagnostic factors lie in the history as opposed to ancillary investigations.
- Treatment will vary depending on the epilepsy syndrome. Options include anticonvulsant medication, ketogenic diets, vagus nerve stimulation, and surgery, as well as consideration of lifestyle factors.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
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Definition
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Citations
Scheffer IE, Berkovic S, Capovilla G, et al. ILAE classification of the epilepsies: position paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology. Epilepsia. 2017 Apr;58(4):512-21.[Abstract][Full Text]
Fisher RS, Cross JH, French JA, et al. Operational classification of seizure types by the International League Against Epilepsy: position paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology. Epilepsia. 2017 Apr;58(4):522-30.[Abstract][Full Text]
Wirrell EC, Nabbout R, Scheffer IE, et al. Methodology for classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with list of syndromes: report of the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia. 2022 Jun;63(6):1333-48.[Abstract][Full Text]
Hirsch E, French J, Scheffer IE, et al. ILAE definition of the idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes: position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia. 2022 Jun;63(6):1475-99.[Abstract][Full Text]
Gaillard WD, Chiron C, Cross JH, et al; ILAE Committee for Neuroimaging, Subcommittee for Pediatric Neuroimaging. Guidelines for imaging infants and children with recent-onset epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2009 Sep;50(9):2147-53.[Abstract][Full Text]
American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: seizures and epilepsy. 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Zuberi SM, Wirrell E, Yozawitz E, et al. ILAE classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in neonates and infants: position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia. 2022 Jun;63(6):1349-97.[Abstract][Full Text]
Specchio N, Wirrell EC, Scheffer IE, et al. International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia. 2022 Jun;63(6):1398-442.[Abstract][Full Text]
Kossoff EH, Zupec-Kania BA, Auvin S, et al; Charlie Foundation; Matthew's Friends; Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Optimal clinical management of children receiving dietary therapies for epilepsy: updated recommendations of the International Ketogenic Diet Study Group. Epilepsia Open. 2018 Jun;3(2):175-92.[Abstract][Full Text]
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