Childhood Seizures

Seizures are a common neurologic problem in childhood affecting 4% to 10% of children before the age of 16 years. Seizures must be differentiated from other childhood disorders and correctly classified with regard to type. Emergency treatment focuses on patient stabilization, termination of seizure activity, and determination of seizure cause. Various long-term treatment modalities exist. Appropriate treatment depends on accurate diagnosis and knowledge of medication side effects and benefits.