Epilepsies in children and young people: investigative procedures and management (SIGN 159)

This guidance provides evidence-based recommendations on the investigation and management of epilepsies in children and young people aged from one month to 19 years (remaining in secondary education), specifically on:

• the role of imaging, neurophysiology and genetic testing in diagnosis
• the role of new antiepileptic drugs, ketogenic diet, surgery and vagus nerve/deep brain stimulation in the management of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and status epilepticus
• identification and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities
• transition from child to adult care
• discussions about, and prevention of, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

The guideline does not cover emergency management of seizures, including status epilepticus, seizures in newborn babies, infants under 1 month of age, referral for diagnosis of epilepsy or the management of non-epileptic seizures.

This guideline will be of interest to all health professionals in primary and secondary care involved in the management of children with epilepsy, including allied health professionals, clinical neuropsychologists, community paediatricians, emergency department specialists, epilepsy specialist nurses, general paediatricians, general physicians, general practitioners, neurologists, obstetricians, pharmacists, practice nurses and psychiatrists. It will also be of interest to those commissioning epilepsy services, public health physicians and social-work staff.