Children

About 300,000 American children under the age of 14 have epilepsy. It affects children at different ages, and in different ways. For some, it will be a temporary problem, easily controlled with medication, outgrown after a few years. For others, it may be a lifelong challenge affecting many areas of life.

Find out more about issues for children with epilepsy -- from education to safety -- in our children's section.


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When Mom or Dad Has Epilepsy

When moms or dads have seizures from epilepsy, their bodies do things they can't control. Not everyone who has a seizure acts the same way. Learn more about epilepsy and seizures, and moms and dads...

Teens With Epilepsy

Teens with epilepsy face more challenges than many of their peers. Having a support group like our Teens & Epilepsy online forum, in addition to having a place to find answers to questions about driving, dating, school, alcohol and other important issues is helpful in navigating some of these challenges. More information is available in our Teensection.

For Parents

One of the biggest challenges for parents when a child has seizures is to help the child maintain self-esteem. Find out more about issues for parents of children with epilepsy -- from talking to family to dealing with risk -- in our Parentssection.

Epilepsy in Childhood

» Currently affects more than 300,000 children under the age of 14.

» May be time limited or long term. Early recognition and treatment are keys to the best possible outcome.

» May be associated with serious, difficult-to-treat syndromes, including infantile spasms, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, genetically related conditions, and developmental disorders.

» Social impact in childhood is often severe, producing isolation and loss of self esteem.