What is the primary concern when treating children with epilepsy?

The primary concern when treating children with epilepsy is medication adherence. This is crucial because effective management of epilepsy often relies on the consistent and correct use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Children may struggle with taking medication regularly due to various factors such as forgetfulness, difficulty swallowing pills, or seeking independence. Poor medication adherence can lead to increased seizure frequency and severity, which can have profound effects on a child’s development, safety, and quality of life.

While issues like weight gain, sleep disturbances, and dietary restrictions can be relevant concerns in the management of epilepsy, they are generally secondary to the critical need for patients to adhere to their medication regimen. For instance, some AEDs may lead to weight gain or affect sleep, but these side effects can sometimes be managed once adherence is established. Dietary restrictions may apply in specific cases, such as when following a ketogenic diet for seizure management, but again, the fundamental goal remains to ensure that the child consistently takes the prescribed medication to control seizures effectively.