Can my child outgrow epilepsy seizures with age?

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that causes recurrent seizures, which occur when groups of nerve cells in the brain send incorrect signals. There is generally no cure for epilepsy, but medications can control seizures for most people [1]. For children, the possibility of outgrowing epilepsy seizures with age depends on several factors, including the type of epilepsy, its cause, and how well it responds to treatment. Some types of childhood epilepsy may indeed disappear with age, while others may persist into adulthood.

Types of epilepsy that may improve with age

Some epilepsy syndromes that appear in childhood may have a benign course, where seizures decrease or disappear entirely as the child grows. Examples include:

• Childhood Absence Epilepsy: This type is characterized by frequent absence seizures that cause a temporary loss of consciousness, often beginning in childhood or adolescence. This type of epilepsy may disappear in adulthood, but it can affect focus at school if the seizures are frequent [2].
• Autosomal Dominant Epilepsy with Auditory Features (ADEAF): This is an uncommon form of epilepsy that runs in families, with seizures typically beginning in adolescence or young adulthood. In most cases, seizures are infrequent and can be effectively controlled with medication [3].
• Febrile Seizures: These seizures occur when a child has an illness that causes a high fever. Children with febrile seizures are generally not prescribed anti-epileptic drugs unless they have a family history of epilepsy, signs of neurological impairment prior to the seizure, a relatively long or complex seizure, or more than one febrile seizure. The risk of developing non-febrile seizures later is low unless one of these factors is present [2].

Factors influencing the course of epilepsy

The possibility of a child outgrowing epilepsy is influenced by several factors, including:

• Cause of epilepsy: If epilepsy is caused by a treatable or correctable condition, such as certain brain tumors or infections, seizures may stop after treating the underlying cause [2]. However, in many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown [1].
• Type of seizures: Some types of seizures, such as focal seizures that start in one part of the brain, may have a different course than generalized seizures that affect both sides of the brain [2].
• Response to treatment: Children who respond well to anti-epileptic drugs may be able to reduce the dosage or even discontinue the medication under medical supervision if they remain seizure-free for a long period.
• Genetic factors: Genetic variations play a major role in the development of some types of epilepsy and may affect how a person responds to anti-epileptic medications [2].

Importance of diagnosis and follow-up

It is essential to diagnose epilepsy early and begin treatment immediately [1]. Doctors use brain scans and other tests to diagnose epilepsy [1]. Regular follow-up with a neurologist is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, adjust medications if necessary, and monitor any changes in seizure patterns. This follow-up can help determine if the child might outgrow the epilepsy or if they require long-term management.

For more information about seizure types, diagnosis, and how to support your child at school and home, you can visit our comprehensive article on Childhood Epilepsy: Seizure Types, Diagnosis, and Supporting the Child at School and Home (Arabic).

Practical steps and red flags

If your child has epilepsy, it is important to:

• Adhere to the treatment plan: Administer medications at the specified times and do not change the dosage without consulting the doctor.
• Record seizures: Keep a record of the number of seizures, their duration, and any potential triggers. This helps the doctor assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Avoid triggers: Identify potential seizure triggers and avoid them as much as possible, such as lack of sleep or stress [2].
• Seek emergency care: If a seizure lasts longer than usual, if multiple seizures occur in a row without regaining consciousness between them, or if the child sustains a serious injury during the seizure, emergency medical help should be sought immediately.

Medical references

• Epilepsy
• Epilepsy and Seizures
• Autosomal dominant epilepsy with auditory features: MedlinePlus Genetics