Practice Parameter: Evaluating a first nonfebrile seizure in children

Abstract: The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses and accepts as its policy the Practice Parameter: Evaluating a first nonfebrile seizure in children.

Article Abstract. Objective: The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology develops practice parameters as strategies for patient management based on analysis of evidence. For this practice parameter, the authors reviewed available evidence on evaluation of the first nonfebrile seizure in children in order to make practice recommendations based on this available evidence. Methods: Multiple searches revealed relevant literature and each article was reviewed, abstracted, and classified. Recommendations were based on a three-tiered scheme of classification of the evidence. Results: Routine EEG as part of the diagnostic evaluation was recommended; other studies such as laboratory evaluations and neuroimaging studies were recommended as based on specific clinical circumstances. Conclusions: Further studies are needed using large, well-characterized samples and standardized data collection instruments. NEUROLOGY 2000;55:615-623.

The Guidelines were reaffirmed in October 2003.

The Guidelines are available as a PDF file from the American Academy of Neurology Web site free-of-charge at: http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/pdfs/gl0081.pdf. (Adobe Acrobat PDF format)

The recommendations in this statement do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.

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