Epilepsy is the most common childhood brain disorder in the United States, impacting 470,000 children and adolescents aged 0-17 years. 

Epilepsy is a brain disorder where a person has recurring seizures. Seizures are sudden events that cause temporary changes in physical movement, sensation, behavior, or consciousness. They are caused by abnormal electrical and chemical changes in the brain.

 

AAP Recommendations

The AAP provides recommendations and guidelines to support pediatricians and other health care professional working with epilepsy patients and families.

Epilepsy in Children: Diagnosis & Treatment

Seizures and Epilepsy in Children

Rescue Medicine for Epilepsy in Education Settings


Professional Tools & Resources

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic condition among pediatric patients in the United States. The following resources are designed to help you provide high quality care to children and youth with epilepsy.

Understanding Pediatric Epilepsy

Learn more about pediatric epilepsy including types, types of seizures, infantile spasms, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and other related health conditions.

Diagnosing Pediatric Epilepsy

Review information on diagnosing pediatric epilepsy, including diagnostic tests, genetic testing and what to expect in an epilepsy monitoring unit.

Treating Pediatric Epilepsy

Finding the right treatment plan can help children and youth with epilepsy (CYE) thrive. Learn more about physicians who treat pediatric epilepsy, epilepsy centers and how to prepare for an in-person or telehealth appointment.

Managing Pediatric Epilepsy

Epilepsy is best managed through preparation, treatment and teamwork. Learn more about teens and epilepsy, how to tell others about epilepsy, supporting children with epilepsy at school and review helpful resources for patients/families.

Resources for Health Care Professionals

Find resources from reputable organizations and websites on a variety of epilepsy care topics including care coordination, shared decision-making, health care transition and telehealth.

What Young Adults Want You to Know

View a collection of short videos highlighting young adults living with epilepsy sharing their experiences within the medical community and what they thought was most important to know about living with epilepsy.

About the National Coordinating Center for Epilepsy

The mission of the Center is to support professionals working to improve access to coordinated, comprehensive and quality care for children and youth with epilepsy (CYE), particularly in medically underserved and/or rural areas, across the life-course.

Learn More About the Center

Last Updated

11/13/2023

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics