Complex epilepsy

Sometimes the term complex epilepsy is used to describe the condition where a child experiences a number of different types of seizure and getting control with medication is difficult.

It is likely that the child with complex epilepsy will be on more than one medication and will also experience other difficulties such as learning, behavioural or emotional problems.

When children are experiencing a number of difficulties it can be very hard for families. It is likely that the child needs round the clock care and additional support may be beneficial.

If you are concerned about your child and their progress it is important that you speak to your child’s school and their consultant about your concerns. It may be that they need further assessment or some additional support.

NB Young Epilepsy are currently reviewing our information portfolio which will be updated in October 2023.

More information about epilepsy

Epilepsy syndromes

A syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms which, if they occur together, can suggest a particular condition

Epilepsy & contraception

It is important that all teenagers are given information about the effects of AEDs on contraception and pregnancy before they become sexually active

Causes of epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy generally falls into three groups; genetic, structural/metabolic or unknown

Diagnosing epilepsy

Getting a diagnosis of epilepsy can often take some time. Only until there have been two or more seizures that a diagnosis of epilepsy will be considered

Epilepsy treatment

The main aim of treating epilepsy is to improve the person's quality of life by preventing seizures but also causing minimum side effects