[Long-term treatment with anticonvulsants in childhood. Guidelines for the practice].

Long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs is based on a differentiated diagnosis. Medication appropriate for a special type of seizures has to be chosen. Treatment must be controlled carefully to avoid side effects. Total blood count, urinalysis and determination of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase etc.) are necessary in regular intervals. Essential in treatment is the psychological guidance of the patient and his parents to handle various problems which arise during development. The treatment is terminated carefully after years when the seizures are controlled and the EEG has been normalized.