ABSTRACT
Approximately 1 per cent of children are affected by epilepsy and in most instances the onset of symptoms occurs in infancy or early childhood. The immature brain may be susceptible to particular types of irreversible seizure-induced damage. Thus, it may be important, at least in some patients, to begin antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy as soon as possible after seizure presentation. Although we have a good understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the long-established AEDs in children, novel AED treatments are evaluated initially only in adult patients. Our incomplete understanding of the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profiles of these new medications in children limits their usefulness. A further issue particular to childhood epilepsy concerns the formulation of the drugs. Most adolescents are capable of swallowing capsules or tablets, but younger children may find liquid preparations or drug formulations that are liquid-soluble easier to take.
