title: Convulsive seizures in infancy and childhood.
abstract: Epilepsy is a symptom and not a disease. An etiologic and therapeutic approach to the acutely convulsing child has been outlined. The necessity of attempting to determine the cause while in the process of stopping the seizure has been emphasized. Suggestions as to what to evaluate on physical examination and what laboratory tests to order have been discussed. An approach to the child whose seizure was not witnessed by a physician is also presented. Emphasis is placed on obtaining an accurate history. Finally, the treatment of a child with epilepsy involves more than prescribing appropriate medication. The child's performance in school and the concerns of parents and patient must be considered.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005133:Eye Movements; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008581:Meningitis / Q000150:complications; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*