Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy

Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy occurs during childhood and medication is often prescribed to control seizures. The overall prognosis for the child largely depends on the type of seizures he or she is experiencing.

Identification

• Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy refers to seizures that have an unknown cause. Genetics play a role in seizure activity. However, many children who experience seizures may not have a family history of seizure activity.

Types

• There are several types of seizures that may occur with Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy. Myoclonic seizures, also known as myoclonic jerks, can cause a jerking motion of the child's arms or legs. Absence seizures are characterized by periods of staring into space. Absence seizures can occur hundreds of times a day. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures may occur anytime but often upon waking or as the child is drifting off to sleep.

Causes

• Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy is a generalized epilepsy. This means that there is no known cause, such as a brain tumor, neurological disorder or stroke.

Treatment

• Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy generally responds well to medication. The type of medication that is prescribed depends on the type of seizures the child is having. Some types of medication that may be prescribed for seizures are valproate, topiramate and ethosuximide.

Considerations

• If a child is experiencing any type of seizure activity, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Proper diagnosis is key to successful treatment of childhood epilepsy.