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.

Who is it for:

• All health and social care professionals involved in the management of children with epilepsy, in primary and secondary care settings 
• people involved in commissioning epilepsy services 
• public health physicians.