Childhood epilepsy syndromes with both focal and generalized seizures

Abstract

Childhood is a time of considerable importance for the onset of epilepsy syndromes. Selection of an appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) is central to its successful management. Different AEDs have various effects depending on whether seizures are focal or generalized and this is often used as a rational basis for drug selection. Syndromes, in which features of both focal and generalized seizures are associated in a single patient, present particular problems for pediatric prescribing and epilepsy management since an AED suitable for one seizure type may be ineffective for, or even aggravate, another seizure type. This review discusses the syndromes with different seizures types, focal and generalized, examines the treatment options that may be useful in each case and highlights the potential of some of the newer AEDs in managing these difficult syndromes.