Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy - Volume 2, issue 3

Authors: Macmillan, Carol

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13055

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 145-145, 2013

Authors: Habibia, Mitra | Kaydanovab, Yevgenya

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Epilepsy is a chronic, common neurological disorder affecting approximately three million people in the United States. Approximately one million of these individuals are women of childbearing age. Treatment of seizures with antiepileptic drugs in these women poses several challenges that are unique to this population. An appropriate treatment strategy for these women should include an in depth understanding of their unique issues including choosing an effective birth control method, emergency contraception, catamenial seizures, management of seizures during pregnancy, minimizing the risks of major congenital malformations and breast feeding.

Keywords: Women’s health, catamenial epilepsy, AED teratogenicity, contraception

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13056

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 147-155, 2013

Authors: Afzal, Khalid I. | Dorssos, Tina | Hunter, Scott J.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Pediatric epilepsy is frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidities such as mood, anxiety, psychosis, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behavior disorder. The incidence of suicide is also higher in this population. Psychiatric conditions were traditionally considered to be a consequence of the seizure disorder; however, more recent advances in the field suggest a bidirectional relationship. Thus, the existence of psychiatric disorders may increase the likelihood of developing a seizure disorder, while the presence of chronic epilepsy and the use of antiepileptic drugs can increase the incidence of comorbid psychiatric disorders and impact the quality of life for affected patients. In this review, …internalizing (depression, anxiety and suicide) and, externalizing (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder) disorders, and psychosis in pediatric epilepsy are discussed. The role of evidence-based psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions for these mood and behavior disorders, in addition to the validity of neuropsychological testing to assist identification of these combined conditions in pediatric epilepsy are also reviewed. Show more

Keywords: Pediatric epilepsy, mood, behavior, internalizing, externalizing, treatment

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13057

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 157-172, 2013

Authors: Ronen, Gabriel M.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Health-care providers have increasingly come to realize that, in terms of the influences on the daily lives and long-term outcomes of individuals with epilepsies, people’s perceptions of their conditions, and a host of related social factors, are as important as the biomedical conditions themselves. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with up-to-date information about life quality outcomes, the relevant concepts of quality of life, health-related quality of life and health status, as well as methodological underpinning that reflect the complexity of life issues of children and youth with epilepsies and the lives of their families. This review …adopts the World Health Organization and others’ definitions of these concepts. We also review the issues of health status and health-related quality of life found in children and youth with epilepsy. We guide the reader through the various considerations needed to interpret and choose these holistic outcomes measures. A common clinical scenario, familiar to any clinician who looks after children with epilepsies and their families, will set the stage for the discussion that follows. Show more

Keywords: Health-related quality of life, health status, ICF, patient reported outcomes, measurement

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13058

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 173-181, 2013

Authors: Kohrman, Michael H.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: The interaction between epilepsy sleep and epilepsy therapy is a dynamic process. Epilepsy, sleep and its disorders and anticonvulsant therapy effect each other, impact patient functioning, and seizure control. Many types of epilepsy have diurnal variation and nocturnal seizures can lead to sleep disruption. Like wise sleep disorders can produce frequent arousal, which may be associated with increased seizures. Anticonvulsants can produce daytime sleepiness and as a by product increased seizures. This review will examine common Epilepsies affected by sleep state, effect of sleep disorders on epilepsy and the effects of anticonvulsants of sleep and daytime functioning. In addition, treatment …for primary sleep disorders in children with epilepsy will be discussed. Show more

Keywords: Sleep, epilepsy, anticonvulsants

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13059

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 183-197, 2013

Authors: Marcuccilli, Charles J.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that effects individuals of all ages, but can be particularly devastating to a developing child. The consequences of epilepsy can extend beyond the occurrence of seizures, with adults and children experiencing fractures 2-6 times more frequently than the general population. Vitamin D deficiency and its effects on bone health in children with epilepsy is becoming an increasingly recognized health care concern. In addition, vitamin D deficiency may lead to other significant health problems, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, asthma and type 1 diabetes. Evidence has accumulated implicating antiepileptic drugs, particularly when used for long …durations and in combination with each other, in depletion of bone mineral density and hypovitaminosis D. This review will focus on the current data demonstrating an association between vitamin D deficiency and the chronic use of antiepileptic drugs in children with epilepsy with a particular emphasis on bone health. Potential mechanisms underlying antiepileptic drug-induced osteopenia and vitamin D deficiency are reviewed. Show more

Keywords: Vitamin D, epilepsy, bone health, children

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13060

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 199-208, 2013

Authors: Leyden, Erin

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/PEP-13061

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 209-214, 2013