Epilepsy in childhood: an update on management

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to review current database for the management of childhood epilepsy, presenting and comparing the different types of treatment, focusing[1] on the ones with the best efficacy. Original articles related to the subject were obtained from SciELO, PubMed and BVS database using descriptors from “Health Sciences Descriptors”. Results: Epilepsy is characterized as a neurological disease that occurs due to abnormal neuronal discharges in the cerebral cortex. It affects 0.5% to 1% of children and is the most frequent chronic neurologic condition in childhood. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most used treatment for epilepsy. Non farmacological options, such as epilepsy surgery and neurostimulation therapy can be used to treat refractory or drug-resistant seizures. Conclusions: Around 70% of individuals with active epilepsy can become seizure-free and go into long-term remission shortly after starting drug treatment with antiepileptic drug in monotherapy. Randomized controlled trials comparing surgery and combinations of AEDs suggest that surgery can be more effective in stopping seizures in children.