Update on the Epidemiology and Prognosis of Pediatric Epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is among the most common serious neurologic disorders in childhood. Epidemiologic studies over the past few decades have greatly increased current knowledge of the incidence and prognosis of seizures. Newer epidemiologic studies have used population- or community-based cohorts, and careful attention has been given to etiology and specific epilepsy syndromes, the two most important factors affecting prognosis. Risk of epilepsy is highest in patients with an associated serious neurologic abnormality, such as mental retardation or cerebral palsy. More than two thirds of patients with childhood-onset epilepsy ultimately achieve remission. Of those attaining remission on medications, approximately 70% remain seizure free when medications are discontinued. Mortality is increased in patients with epilepsy, but the increased mortality risk in childhood-onset epilepsy is primarily seen in patients with neurologic abnormalities or intractable epilepsy. Although long-term seizure outcomes are generally favorable, childhood-onset epilepsy is associated with adverse long-term psychosocial outcomes, even in patients attaining remission. This review summarizes recent data on the epidemiology and prognosis of pediatric epilepsy.

Serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor as Biomarker for Epilepsy Diagnosis in Egyptian Children With Epilepsy; Relationship to Disease Severity and Cognitive Function.

“…This is in respect with the findings of Shinnar and Pellock [16], who mentioned that the frequency rate is higher in males (63.6%) than females (36.4%), with a male to female ratio of 1.9:1.…”

Children’s Experiences of Epilepsy: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

“…2, 4 -6 Although some children achieve remission, the overall risk of recurrence is close to 50%. 4,5 Children with epilepsy often require antiepileptic medications and must avoid seizure triggers such as fatigue. An estimated 80% of patients have an associated behavioral disorder and/or cognitive impairment.…”

Theoretical Models of Health Psychology and the Model for Integrating Medicine and Psychology

“…Despite the fact that 90.5% of cases of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in children 5 years old or younger will attain remission and never recur, constituting a cure, the process of treatment toward that cure consists of 3 years of intense and stressful endeavors (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 2007). Many cases of idiopathic partial epilepsy in children will spontaneously remit as children grow older (Berg et al, 2004;Shinnar & Pellock, 2002). Such diseases pose lengthy and stressful demands to adjust, despite the expectation of eventual cure or remission.…”