Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) play a crucial role in helping kids with various neurological conditions. They’re not only used for epilepsy but also for other disorders where seizures are a symptom. In this section, we’ll discuss how AEDs are used to treat kids with special needs.
- Control seizures in epilepsy: AEDs are the primary treatment for kids with epilepsy, aiming to reduce or eliminate seizure occurrences.
- Manage Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: AEDs are used in this severe form of childhood epilepsy, characterized by multiple seizure types and developmental delays.
- Treat Dravet syndrome: AEDs help manage this rare, lifelong epilepsy that starts in infancy, accompanied by developmental and motor impairments.
- Address other neurological disorders: Sometimes, AEDs are prescribed for kids with autism or ADHD who experience seizures.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are crucial for treating various neurological conditions in kids. They help manage and control seizures, improving the quality of life for children with special needs. Parents must work closely with healthcare professionals to find the right AED and dosage for their child’s needs.
This post was originally published on April 28, 2023. It was updated on Dec. 16, 2023.