Approach to Management of Seizures in Childhood
Starting on:
Sep 19, 2025
Ending on:
Dec 31, 2025
Moderator(s):
Dr. Edwards Wasike
Consultant Paeditrician
Venue:
Defence Forces Memorial Hospital
Max Credits:
3 Points

Provider:
Defence Forces Memorial Hospital
Claim Points

Approach to Management of Seizures in Childhood

Starting on:
Sep 19, 2025
Ending on:
Dec 31, 2025
Venue:
Defence Forces Memorial Hospital

Description

Seizures are one of the most common neurological emergencies in paediatrics, presenting across a wide spectrum from benign, self-limited events to life-threatening emergencies. The etiologies, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies differ significantly from adults and vary by age group. For clinicians, distinguishing an epileptic seizure from a non-epileptic event, initiating appropriate first-line management, and developing a rational long-term plan can be challenging. This Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity is designed to provide a structured, evidence-based framework for clinicians evaluating and managing children with seizures. The session will focus on sharpening diagnostic skills, including accurate history-taking and interpretation of diagnostic studies like EEG and neuroimaging. Participants will gain confidence in managing acute seizure emergencies, including status epilepticus, and making informed decisions on the selection and monitoring of anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Furthermore, the activity will cover crucial topics of patient safety, comorbidities, and when to refer for surgical evaluation. This program is essential for paediatricians, family physicians, emergency medicine physicians, neurologists, and advanced practice providers who care for children.

Objectives

1. Accurately diagnose and classify seizure events: * Differentiate between epileptic seizures and common mimickers in children(e.g., syncope, breath-holding spells, behavioral events, migraines) based on clinical history and semiology. * Apply the International League Against Epilepsy(ILAE) classification system to categorize seizure type and epilepsy syndrome. * Identify"red flag" historical and clinical features that suggest a higher risk of seizure recurrence or a underlying serious etiology. 2. Initiate a evidence-based diagnostic workup: * Determine when and which type of electroencephalogram(EEG) (e.g., routine, prolonged, or video-EEG) is indicated in the evaluation of a first seizure and follow-up care. * Formulate appropriate neuroimaging strategies,recognizing when emergent neuroimaging is necessary versus when elective MRI is preferred. * Select indicated laboratory and genetic testing based on the child's age and clinical presentation. 3. Manage acute seizure emergencies and develop long-term treatment plans: * Execute a standardized,weight-based protocol for the management of paediatric status epilepticus in the pre-hospital, emergency, and inpatient settings. * Develop a evidence-based strategy for initiating long-term anti-seizure medication(ASM) therapy, including the choice of specific ASM based on seizure type, syndrome, patient age, and comorbidity profile. * Implement a plan for monitoring ASM efficacy,serum drug levels (when appropriate), and potential adverse effects. 4. Provide comprehensive care and counsel families effectively: * Counsel patients and families on safety precautions(e.g., bathing, swimming, sports), seizure action plans, and the importance of medication adherence. * Recognize and screen for common comorbidities in childhood epilepsy,including neuropsychiatric (ADHD, anxiety, depression), cognitive, and sleep disorders. * Identify patients who are medically refractory and describe the indications for referral to a comprehensive epilepsy center for advanced options,including epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, and neurostimulation devices.

Presenters

  1. Dr. Edward Wasike
    Consultant Paeditrician
    Defence Forces Memorial Hospital

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