Childhood Epilepsy and Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine Treatment

Childhood Epilepsy

Abstract

     Epilepsy; It is a condition characterized by sudden, repetitive, epileptic seizures that are not triggered by an identifiable event, resulting from abnormal and excessive electrical discharge in cortical neurons. Convulsions’ gaining a continuous and repetitive character is called "Epilepsy". The main goal of epilepsy treatment is to provide seizure freeness without damaging this potential of the child whose whole body systems are growing and developing. A personalized approach tailored to the goals and expectations of each patient and family is crucial to the successful management of epilepsy in children. Specific evidence-based recommendations are available for new-onset epilepsy patients for drug selection based primarily on specific characteristics of epilepsy. These decisions are also shaped by patient characteristics, antiepileptic drugs (AED) side effects, and cultural and socioeconomic factors. In all children with epilepsy, general precautions to prevent injury during seizures should always be emphasized, and rescue medications such as rectal diazepam or intranasal midazolam should be considered to avoid prolonged seizures. Today, more than twenty antiepileptic drugs are used. The first generation type of drugs are phenytoin ( DPH),phenobarbital (PHB), carbamazepine (CBZ), valproic acid (VPA),  and  new generation drugs are lamotrigine, vigabatrin, topiramate, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, tiagabine, levetiracetam,            

After antiepileptic therapy is initiated in pediatric patients, one should be aware of the side effects that may occur due to drugs. Patients should be invited to regular hospital visits, kidney, liver function tests and complete blood count tests should be performed, abnormalities should be detected early and appropriate approach should be taken.Key Words: Antiepileptic drugs, epilepsy, children, valproate, carbamazepine