Natural History and Prognosis of Pediatric Epilepsies With Different Etiology

Natural History and Prognosis of Pediatric Epilepsies With Different Etiology: Long-term Study

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in Italy, affecting about 500,000 people. Pediatric age represents one of the most affected groups with a consequent significant impact on the quality of life of the families involved.

The study aims to monitor the cognitive functions of patients followed at our center in order to determine the main types of pathways and highlight their determinants. The ultimate goal is to define what are the main clinical and instrumental predictors of cognitive function and its variation over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients seen at the Children's Neuropsychiatry of the Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (UOS Diagnosis and Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsies, Day Hospital or inpatient setting at the Department of Children's Neuropsychiatry) with onset of first seizure between the ages of 0 and 18 years and subsequent diagnostic confirmation of epilepsy (2 or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart or definite epilepsy syndrome, with diagnostic confirmation by the child neuropsychiatrist).
• Patients already followed at Child Neuropsychiatry with a diagnosis of epilepsy with age of onset between 0 and 18 years.
• Patients referred to our Center during follow-up with a diagnosis of epilepsy with age of onset between 0 and 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with unconfirmed diagnosis of epilepsy after the first critical episode.
• Patients from other Centers, for whom the history, clinical and instrumental data are not sufficiently detailed and in accordance with the methodologies followed at our Center.
• Patients with follow-up < 2 years.
• Patients for whom study consent is not provided.