TY - JOUR
T1 - Update on the epidemiology and prognosis of pediatric epilepsy
AU - Shinnar, Shlomo
AU - Pellock, John M.
PY - 2002
Y1 - 2002
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
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U2 - 10.1177/08830738020170010201
DO - 10.1177/08830738020170010201
M3 - Article
C2 - 11918462
AN - SCOPUS:0036242374
SN - 0883-0738
VL - 17
SP - S4-S17
JO - Journal of child neurology
JF - Journal of child neurology
IS - SUPPL. 1
ER -