Epilepsy in children

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Quick Overview

Epilepsy affects 0.5-1% of children, defined as ≥2 unprovoked seizures >24 hours apart or 1 seizure with high recurrence risk. NICE NG217 provides evidence-based guidance on classification, treatment selection by seizure type, and emergency management. Correct seizure classification determines appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) choice-misclassification leads to treatment failure or seizure exacerbation.

Core Facts & Concepts

Seizure Classification (ILAE 2017)

Seizure TypeKey FeaturesFirst-Line AED
Focal onsetAware/impaired awareness, motor/non-motorCarbamazepine or Levetiracetam
Generalised tonic-clonicLoss of consciousness, tonic then clonic phaseSodium valproate (males), Lamotrigine or Levetiracetam (females)
AbsenceBrief (<10s) staring, abrupt onset/offsetEthosuximide or Sodium valproate (males)
MyoclonicBrief muscle jerks, consciousness preservedSodium valproate (males), Levetiracetam (females)
Tonic/AtonicSudden stiffening or loss of toneSpecialist referral required

Figure 1: EEG showing 3Hz spike-and-wave pattern characteristic of childhood absence epilepsy

💊 Sodium Valproate Restrictions (Pregnancy Prevention Programme)

  • Contraindicated in females of childbearing potential unless conditions met
  • Must use ≥1 effective contraception, annual risk acknowledgement form
  • Teratogenic risk: 10% major congenital malformations, 30-40% neurodevelopmental disorders

📊 Key Numbers

  • Status epilepticus definition: ≥5 minutes continuous seizure or ≥2 seizures without recovery
  • Treatment threshold: After 5 minutes of seizure activity
  • Refer to paediatric neurology: Diagnosis confirmation, treatment failure, <1 year age

Problem-Solving Approach

Status Epilepticus Emergency Protocol

  1. 0-5 minutes: ABCDE assessment, high-flow oxygen, check glucose, position safely
  2. 5 minutes: Buccal midazolam 0.5mg/kg (max 10mg) OR IV lorazepam 0.1mg/kg (max 4mg)
  3. 10 minutes (if continuing): Repeat benzodiazepine (same dose)
  4. 15 minutes: Call senior help, prepare IV phenytoin 20mg/kg or IV levetiracetam 40mg/kg
  5. 25 minutes: Second-line IV AED, consider ICU transfer

Figure 2: Child receiving buccal midazolam administration between lower gum and cheek

🚩 Red Flags for Urgent Referral

  • Focal neurological signs post-ictally (>Todd's paresis duration)
  • Developmental regression or loss of skills
  • Myoclonic seizures in infancy (consider infantile spasms-hypsarrhythmia on EEG)
  • Seizures <6 months age (structural/metabolic cause likely)

Rescue Medication (Home Management)

  • Buccal midazolam: First-line, 0.5mg/kg (1-3 months: 2.5mg; 3-12 months: 2.5mg; 1-5 years: 5mg; 5-10 years: 7.5mg; 10+ years: 10mg)
  • Give after 5 minutes of seizure, call ambulance if no response in 5 minutes

Analysis Framework

AED Selection Decision Tree

When to Avoid Specific AEDs

AEDAVOID inReason
CarbamazepineGeneralised epilepsies, myoclonic/absenceMay worsen seizures
Sodium ValproateFemales (unless no alternative)Teratogenicity, neurodevelopmental risk
PhenytoinRoutine useNarrow therapeutic index, cosmetic effects
LamotrigineMyoclonic seizuresMay exacerbate myoclonus

Key Points Summary

Epilepsy diagnosis: ≥2 unprovoked seizures >24h apart; seizure classification determines AED choice

Status epilepticus: Treat after 5 minutes-buccal midazolam 0.5mg/kg or IV lorazepam 0.1mg/kg

Sodium valproate: Most effective for generalised epilepsies but contraindicated in females of childbearing potential (10% teratogenicity)

Focal seizures: Carbamazepine or levetiracetam first-line; never use carbamazepine for generalised epilepsy

Absence seizures: Ethosuximide first-line; brief (<10s) staring with 3Hz spike-wave on EEG

Refer to specialist: All new diagnoses, treatment failure, age <1 year, diagnostic uncertainty

Rescue medication: Buccal midazolam at 5 minutes, call ambulance if no response by 10 minutes total

Practice Questions: Epilepsy in children

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 6-month-old baby presents with failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, and recurrent respiratory infections. Sweat chloride test is 70 mmol/L (normal <40). What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Flashcards: Epilepsy in children

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_____ instability in people with Down syndrome who participate in sports that may carry an increased risk of neck disclocation

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ instability in people with Down syndrome who participate in sports that may carry an increased risk of neck disclocation

Atlanto-axial

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