Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes seizures for no other obvious medical reason. About 0.6 percent of children up to age 17 have active epilepsy. The condition affects each child differently:

• For some children, the condition is easily controlled with medicine.
• For other children, epilepsy is a lifelong condition that affects many parts of life.
• Some children outgrow the condition with time.

Epilepsy can be treated with medicines and surgery. Children with more severe epilepsy may benefit from a vagal nerve stimulator. This pacemaker like device controls signals along the vagus nerve in the neck to reduce and control seizures.