This chapter examines the basics of pediatric epilepsy syndromes and the
new factors in the field that lead to and result from the disturbed function. Some
disorders such as febrile seizures and idiopathic seizure disorders are fairly common in
children, and pediatricians should be familiar with the approaches used to investigate
such disorders. However, others, such as rare genetic diseases, are increasing in
incidence due to the recent advances in genetic testing and personalized medicine.
Nevertheless, epilepsy syndromes carry significant morbidity and even mortality in
children. The advent of new genetic discoveries has also brought forth new lines of
management for previously refractory diseases. The truly intractable epilepsy
syndromes might be managed with surgery as a final resort.
Keywords: Absence seizures, Aura, Childhood epilepsy, Developmental delay, Dravet syndrome, Electrolyte disturbance, Encephalitis, Epilepsy neurosurgery, Febrile seizures, Generalized seizures, Genetic epilepsy, Metabolic epilepsy, Movement disorders, Non-epileptic seizures, Neurological evaluation, Partial seizures, Seizures syndromes, Seizures investigations, Seizures management, Status epilepticus
