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From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Dr. Hirtz), NIH, Bethesda, MD; Department of Biological Sciences (Dr. Berg), Northern Illinois University, Dekalb; Boise (Dr. Bettis), ID; Department of Pediatric Neurology (Drs. C. Camfield and P. Camfield), IWK Health Center, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Neurology (Dr. Crumrine), Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Neurology (Dr. Gaillard), Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC; Riverside (Dr. Schneider), CA; and Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (Dr. Shinnar), Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to QSS, American Academy of Neurology, 1080 Montreal Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116; e-mail: wedlund{at}aan.com
The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society develop practice parameters as strategies for patient management based on analysis of evidence regarding risks and benefits. This parameter reviews published literature relevant to the decision to begin treatment after a child or adolescent experiences a first unprovoked seizure and presents evidence-based practice recommendations. Reasons why treatment may be considered are discussed. Evidence is reviewed concerning risk of recurrence as well as effect of treatment on prevention of recurrence and development of chronic epilepsy. Studies of side effects of anticonvulsants commonly used to treat seizures in children are also reviewed. Relevant articles are classified according to the Quality Standards Subcommittee classification scheme. Treatment after a first unprovoked seizure appears to decrease the risk of a second seizure, but there are few data from studies involving only children. There appears to be no benefit of treatment with regard to the prognosis for long-term seizure remission. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) carry risks of side effects that are particularly important in children. The decision as to whether or not to treat children and adolescents who have experienced a first unprovoked seizure must be based on a risk–benefit assessment that weighs the risk of having another seizure against the risk of chronic AED therapy. The decision should be individualized and take into account both medical issues and patient and family preference.
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