[Difficulties in the diagnosis of epilepsy in children]

On the basis of an analysis of 3 cases it was shown that the occurrence of seizure-like symptoms with abnormal EEG and history data suggesting possible damage to the central nervous system are not always sufficient for an unequivocal diagnosis of epilepsy and for beginning of long-term antiepileptic treatment which is not without adverse effects on the developing organism of a child. For establishing of correct diagnosis and avoiding of too hasty introduction of anticonvulsant treatment not only careful history and family data and pathological EEG tracings should be considered, but the seizure-like symptoms and results of laboratory investigations should be carefully analysed. On many cases, especially in younger children, the diagnosis should be established in hospital.