Children with seizures: when can treatment be deferred?
The decision whether or not to recommend chronic antiepileptic drug treatment for a child with seizures requires a risk-benefit analysis tailored to each individual case. Because all of the available antiepileptic medications have some potential adverse effects, the analysis may weigh in favor of a decision not to treat. Three clinical scenarios in pediatrics in which the no-treatment option may often be appropriate include a single unprovoked seizure, febrile seizures, and benign focal epilepsy of childhood.
Wyllie
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Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000927:Anticonvulsants