Epilepsy and febrile seizures (children)

Current Care Summary
A working group appointed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim and the Finnish Association of Paediatric Neurology
29.4.2020

Current Care Guideline «Epilepsiat ja kuumekouristukset (lapset ja nuoret)»1 and Summary «Epilepsiat ja kuumekouristukset (lapset)»2 in Finnish

Treatment of childhood epilepsy is based on exact diagnosis of seizure types, etiology and possible epilepsy syndrome. The treatment is targeted on long-term seizure control and prevention of cognitive problems caused by epilepsy, without significant harms and with good quality of life. Antiepileptic medication is usually initiated after the second epileptic seizure. Drug choice is based on seizure type and epilepsy classification. Surgical treatment options should be considered in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Some children with epilepsy may benefit from ketogenic diet. Acute treatment for febrile seizures follows the same principles as treatment of epileptic seizures, but long-term preventive anticonvulsants are not recommended.

Liisa Metsähonkala (Chair)

Eija Gaily

Olga Gilbert

Jarkko Kirjavainen

Jorma Komulainen

Tuire Lähdesmäki

Päivi Vieira