what are the best courses of treatment for children with epilepsy

One out of 10 children with epilepsy can benefit from a surgical intervention. We recommend discussing surgery as an option with your child’s neurologist early in the course of care. Research shows early intervention leads to the best outcomes.

Full Answer

What can schools do to support students with epilepsy?

Encourages students with epilepsy to be physically active at school. The CDC Healthy Schools Program provides health tools and resources, including evidence-based guidelines and a tool that helps schools conduct self-assessments and plan health and safety policies and programs.

How can I Help my Child with epilepsy?

Dietary therapy. Following a special diet can reduce the amount of anti-seizure medication your child needs, which can protect him or her from unpleasant side effects. In our Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy Clinic, we offer counseling and support for many diets designed especially to meet the needs of children with epilepsy.

What is the current standard in care for children with epilepsy?

The current standard in care for children with epilepsy takes a whole-child approach, moving beyond seizure control to making every effort to help children reach their full potential.

What summer camps are available for children with epilepsy?

We offer specialized summer camps for children with neurologic conditions, including epilepsy. Our Camp Great Rock helps children build confidence and make new friends in a safe and supportive environment. We also offer an epilepsy support group for patients, parents and caregivers. Neurobehavior Program.

What is the best treatment for a child having a seizure?

What to Do if Your Child Has a Seizure:Gently place your child on the floor or ground, and remove any nearby objects.Lay your child on his or her side to prevent choking on saliva (spit).If your child vomits, clear out the mouth gently with your finger.Loosen any clothing around the head or neck.More items...

What therapy is best for epilepsy?

AEDs are the most commonly used treatment for epilepsy. They help control seizures in around 7 out of 10 of people. AEDs work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain. They do not cure epilepsy, but can stop seizures happening.

What are 3 treatments for epilepsy?

Apart from medications and surgery, these potential therapies offer an alternative for treating epilepsy:Vagus nerve stimulation. ... Ketogenic diet. ... Deep brain stimulation. ... Responsive neurostimulation.

How is epilepsy treated kids?

Most children with epilepsy are treated with epilepsy medicines. You might hear these called anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs. The medicine doesn't cure epilepsy, but aims to stop or reduce the number of seizures your child has.

What foods should epileptics avoid?

white bread; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.

What is the safest epilepsy medication?

"[Lamictal] seems to be the winner," Marson says. The second trial looked at 716 patients newly diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. It compared the older drug valproic acid (in the U.S., Depakote is the most popular member of this drug family) to Lamictal and Topamax.

Is there any permanent treatment for epilepsy?

There's currently no cure for epilepsy, but it can be managed with medications and other strategies.

What is the first line treatment for epilepsy?

Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are emerging as first-line treatments for epilepsy, which people may be more likely to keep taking than carbamazepine. Reducing the risk of adverse events and treatment withdrawal is important when selecting an anti-epilepsy drug as it usually will need to be taken long-term.

What causes kids epilepsy?

Some of the most common non-idiopathic causes of seizures in children are acquired, as opposed to being present at birth or developing as the result of genetic abnormalities. Acquired causes include, for example, lack of oxygen (hypoxia), head injuries, and infections of the central nervous system.

Can childhood epilepsy be cured?

There is currently no cure for most types of epilepsy. A doctor may prescribe antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to help prevent seizures. If these drugs do not work, some other potential options include surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, or a special diet.

Can a child with epilepsy go to a normal school?

Most children with epilepsy attend school and can participate in all activities. Some may need to take medicine at school, require help with certain subjects, or be given extra time on tests.

Does epilepsy get worse with age?

The incidence of any type of seizure increases substantially over the age of 60, commonly due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.

The Whole-Child Approach

Learning and Brain Development

The Impact of Seizures

Epilepsy and Cognitive Function

Anticonvulsant Medications and Learning

Educational Solutions

• Lines of Communication—A Whole-Child Approach
  The current standard in care for children with epilepsy takes a whole-child approach, moving beyond seizure control to making every effort to help children reach their full potential. Since epilepsy is associated with a wide range of learning problems, efforts must be made to ensure t…
• Teaching Differently
  Ultimately, the goal is to implement educational interventions that are appropriate to the child's learning problems and needs. For classroom teachers, this may require that some traditional educational approaches be modified or changed to accommodate a child's particular learning is…

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