CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY: ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES, AND LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS

Childhood epilepsy is one of the most prevalent chronic neurological disorders in pediatric populations worldwide, characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity in the developing brain. The etiology of epilepsy in children is highly heterogeneous, encompassing genetic, structural, metabolic, immune-mediated, infectious, and unknown causes. Advances in neuroimaging, electroencephalography, and molecular genetics have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, enabling earlier classification of epilepsy syndromes and more personalized treatment strategies. Despite therapeutic progress, childhood epilepsy remains associated with long-term cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial challenges, particularly in cases of early onset and drug-resistant epilepsy. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the etiology, diagnostic strategies, and long-term prognosis of childhood epilepsy, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management in improving outcomes.