Epilepsy in childhood and adolescence.

INTRODUCTION: More than 3% of the total population will suffer from epilepsy at some time during their lives. One quarter of newly diagnosed cases worldwide are children. With optimal treatment, around 70% will enter remission. In the long run, antiepileptic drugs can be discontinued in almost half of affected individuals. Most patients with epilepsy undergo normal cognitive development. This relatively good prognosis contrasts with persistent public stigma surrounding the condition.

METHODS: selective literature review.

RESULTS: A classification of epileptic seizures and epileptic syndromes is provided by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Epilepsies are mainly split into symptomatic forms (i.e. those with a recognizable cause) and idiopathic forms, which result from a genetic predisposition and imply no other pathology aside from epilepsy. The classification of epilepsy syndromes is based on assumed etiology, and seizure symptomatology. Drug therapy is usually started after a second unprovoked seizure. The best possible seizure control, continuation of a successful school career, and preservation of a stable family situation are equally important therapeutic aims.