early-onset epilepsy 2

Early-onset epilepsy refers to epilepsy that starts prior to the age of 12 months [3]. In fact, children with seizures prior to age 1 month which continued beyond the first month are considered to have early onset epilepsy [3].

This type of epilepsy is often characterized by seizures that occur within an hour after falling asleep [2]. The seizures can be prolonged, sometimes lasting for 20 to 60 minutes [2]. In some cases, children diagnosed with Panayiotopoulos syndrome may have very infrequent seizures, in which case medication may not be required [2].

It's worth noting that early-onset epilepsy is a significant concern, and research suggests that the incidence of this condition is higher than previously thought. Studies have reported an incidence of around 136-139/100,000 in the first year of life [12]. This highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for children with epilepsy.

Symptoms of early-onset epilepsy can vary, but may include staring, jerking movements of the arms and legs, stiffening of the body, loss of consciousness, and breathing difficulties [5]. In some cases, seizures may be focal, affecting one area of the brain, while in others they may be generalized, affecting a wider network of cells on both sides of the brain [14].

Overall, early-onset epilepsy is a complex condition that requires careful diagnosis and management. By understanding its characteristics and symptoms, healthcare professionals can provide the best possible care for affected children.

References: [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [5] Context 5 [12] Context 12 [14] Context 14

Early-Onset Epilepsy Signs and Symptoms

Epilepsy in children can manifest differently than in adults, with various signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of this condition. Here are some common indicators of early-onset epilepsy:

• Seizures: The main symptom of epilepsy is repeated seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works [4].
• Loss of consciousness: Children with epilepsy may experience loss of consciousness during a seizure, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as staring, jerking movements, stiffening of the body, and breathing problems [6].
• Uncontrolled muscle jerking: Uncontrolled muscle jerking, usually in arms or legs, is another common symptom of early-onset epilepsy [7].
• Focal onset impaired awareness seizure: This type of seizure may be longer than typical childhood absence seizures and can include movements such as eyelid fluttering or chewing [5].
• Dizziness and loss of balance: Some children with epilepsy may experience dizziness and loss of balance, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries [1].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and frequency from child to child. If you suspect your child is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7

Early-Onset Epilepsy Diagnostic Tests

Epilepsy in children and infants can be challenging to diagnose, but various tests are used to determine the underlying cause of seizures. Here are some diagnostic tests commonly used for early-onset epilepsy:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This is a crucial test that records the electrical activity of the brain. An EEG can help identify abnormal patterns in brain activity that may be associated with epilepsy [3][5].
• Physical Exam: A thorough physical examination by a pediatrician or neurologist is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause seizures, such as infections or metabolic disorders [7].
• Medical History: Understanding the child's medical history, including any previous episodes of seizures or other health issues, can provide valuable information for diagnosis [7].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans may be ordered to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain that could be causing seizures [4][7].
• Blood and Urine Tests: Blood and urine tests can help identify any underlying metabolic disorders or infections that may be contributing to epilepsy [2][7].

It's essential to note that a diagnosis of early-onset epilepsy is often made based on a combination of these tests, as well as clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Early-Onset Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy in children, also known as early-onset epilepsy, requires prompt and effective treatment to manage seizures and prevent long-term complications. The primary goal of drug treatment is to achieve seizure freedom or significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

• Medication as First-Line Treatment: Doctors usually recommend that children try medication first. They often need to try a few different antiepileptic (seizure-preventing) drugs before finding one that works effectively [2].
• Commonly Prescribed Medications: Oxcarbazepine was the second most commonly prescribed medication during the first year, followed by carbamazepine and valproic acid [3]. Anticonvulsant medications like oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), carbamazepine (Carbatrol), and ethosuximide are often used to control seizures in children.
• Treatment Goals: The primary goal of medication is to achieve seizure freedom or significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. While medication can be effective, it's essential to note that there is no absolute, correct epilepsy medication for all patients or seizure types [5].
• Medication Effectiveness: Medications are not a cure but aim to lessen or stop seizures, preferably with few or no side effects. In around 7 out of 10 people, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) help control seizures effectively [8].

Important Considerations

• Children may need to try multiple medications before finding one that works.
• Medication can have side effects, and it's essential to monitor children closely for any adverse reactions.
• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are crucial to adjust medication regimens as needed.

References:

[1] Most children with new-onset epilepsy achieve seizure freedom with appropriate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, nearly 20% will continue to have seizures [1].

[2] Doctors usually recommend that children try medication first. They often need to try a few different antiepileptic (seizure-preventing) drugs before the right one is found [2].

[3] Oxcarbazepine was, overall, the second most commonly prescribed medication during the first year (n = 68 as first treatment and n = 43 as second), followed by carbamazepine and valproic acid [3].

[4] Anticonvulsant medications are typically the first line in epilepsy treatment. There is no absolute, correct epilepsy medication for all patients or seizure types [5].

[5] Medication is the first line of treatment for epilepsy. Medications are not a cure, but they aim to lessen or stop the seizures, preferably with few or no side effects [6].

[6] The treatment of choice for CAE with absence seizures only is ethosuximide. Valproic acid and lamotrigine are also effective treatments for many patients [7].

[7] Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) ... AEDs are the most commonly used treatment for epilepsy. They help control seizures in around 7 out of 10 of people. AEDs work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain [8].

Early-Onset Epilepsy Differential Diagnoses

Epilepsy in young children can be challenging to diagnose, as the symptoms may resemble other conditions. A differential diagnosis is a process of ruling out other possible causes of the symptoms before making a definitive diagnosis.

Common Differential Diagnoses for Early-Onset Epilepsy:

• Reflex Anoxic Seizures: These are brief episodes of loss of consciousness triggered by sudden changes in heart rate or blood pressure. They can be mistaken for epileptic seizures.
• Tic Disorders: Conditions like Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders can present with repetitive movements or vocalizations that may resemble seizure activity.
• Day-Dreaming or Self-Gratification: Young children may exhibit behaviors that appear to be seizures, but are actually normal developmental milestones.
• Febrile Seizures: These are seizures caused by fever and are a common condition in young children. However, they can sometimes be mistaken for other types of epilepsy.

Important Considerations:

When evaluating early-onset epilepsy, it's essential to consider the child's medical history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. A thorough evaluation by a pediatric neurologist or epileptologist is crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

References:

• [2] by CP Panayiotopoulos · 2005 · Cited by 35 — The differential diagnosis includes all causes of episodic impairment of awareness, aberrations of mental function, falls, sensory/motor phenomena and ...
• [7] In the under-5s, the most important differential diagnoses include reflex anoxic seizures, tic or behavioural mannerism, day-dreaming, self-gratification, or ...