Children with seizures: when can treatment be deferred?

The decision whether or not to recommend chronic antiepileptic drug treatment for a child with seizures requires a risk-benefit analysis tailored to each individual case. Because all of the available antiepileptic medications have some potential adverse effects, the analysis may weigh in favor of a decision not to treat. Three clinical scenarios in pediatrics in which the no-treatment option may often be appropriate include a single unprovoked seizure, febrile seizures, and benign focal epilepsy of childhood.