AES On Demand Webinar: Early Intervention & Evolving Evidence: New Guidelines in Infantile Epilepsy-AES On Demand Webinar: Early Intervention & Evolving Evidence: New Guidelines in Infantile Epilepsy

AES On Demand Webinar: Early Intervention & Evolving Evidence: New Guidelines in Infantile Epilepsy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This AES webinar introduced a new infantile epilepsy guideline for children 1–36 months old, excluding infantile spasms. Based on a systematic review and GRADE methodology, it addresses early diagnosis and treatment to reduce drug resistance and protect neurodevelopment. The panel issued mostly conditional medication recommendations, favoring levetiracetam for new-onset generalized/unknown epilepsy, oxcarbazepine for focal epilepsy, and avoiding valproate in new-onset cases until genetic risks are considered. It also supports early referral to pediatric epilepsy centers, with ketogenic diet recommended for drug-resistant epilepsy—especially classic ketogenic diet under age 2 and in GLUT1 or pyruvate dehydrogenase disorders. Surgical treatment received strong support for appropriate candidates, including hemispherectomy/hemispherotomy and focal/multilobar resections, with early referral emphasized. The guideline highlights genetics, individualized care, and the need for more research on etiology-specific and long-term developmental outcomes.

Keywords

infantile epilepsy guideline

early diagnosis

levetiracetam

oxcarbazepine

ketogenic diet

pediatric epilepsy surgery