If they grow out of the seizures, is there a certain age range or milestone that it stops?

Annette - posted on 03/11/2010

There are specific milestones for the brain and it's development.

The first 5 years of life the brain undergoes a 'development cycle' every 4 months or so. During that time, neuro-pathways are being established at an amazing rate. With some juvenile seizure disorders, it's just a matter of the proper channels, to transfer information, being established. Once they are, the child can be seizure free. By the age of 5 the brain has slowed it's growth and development physiologically. It is usually safe to assume that by the age of 5 there would be few seizure pattern changes (meaning they would stay the same) but they do occur, especially if the child is slower to develop.

The next big change is the onset of puberty. This change is almost as intense, if not more so because of the extra hormones, as early childhood. Juvenile seizure disorders, otherwise unspecified, sometime resolve themselves at this point and the child can become seizure free or as close to it as they have ever been.

The next big change is around or after the age of 60. At this time, patients who suffered from juvenile seizures and where seizure free for decades can sometimes see another occurrence.

I am not saying that this is the rule in all people, far from it, I believe in treating each person as an individual, it's just that these guidelines are in place and used by most neurologists when deciding to attempt to ween from medication.

The only way to know if the brain has changed is to remove the AED slowly. It's the scariest and most horrific thing to sit helplessly while your child has a seizure, but all AED's have a prolonged usage risk associated with them, and if you can get off of the medication, it's better in the long run.

Good luck to you and your son!

Laura - posted on 03/07/2010

I am 25 and they still try to convince me I could grow out of it. Taking him off his meds really is the only way your going to be able to tell, but they wouldn't do this if they felt it wasn't safe. I've gone for 7 years before, and then i went for 4 recently but then had one last week cause i pushed myself too far, let myself get too tired. I hope he has grown out of it but what i'm trying to say is it's really quite an individual thing.

Tiffany - posted on 03/06/2010

Good Luck! I'm in the same boat...My son started having seizurs at 3 and I was told he should grow out of them...He is currently on meds, but has not had a seizure in almost 2years...We go to the Doctor the end of this month to see about taking him off the meds. I personally have faith and trust God. I started weening him from the meds myself 6 months ago-walking out in faith. He has not had a seizure. I didn't take him completely off, I just started giving him the meds 1x a day verses 2. I'm hoping to take him completely off soon. I also do believe that diet is a big factor. Research and learn what foods are good for the brain and cut out all that process food. I try to make sure my son eats a healthy diet. Keep him away from extra sugars like pop and candy- these things can hinder his process...Good Luck and be encouraged!

Aileen - posted on 02/27/2010

removal from medication is done slowly by reducing the dose the child takes. if he is going to grow out of epilepsy it will occur by the time they turn 7, however in australia they look at a reduction in medication after a 2 year seizure free time. i have 2 sons both of which are epileptic and when they were diagnosed i was told that one would outgrow the seizures but he hasnt and the other one would be on medication for the rest of his life.

Rosalinda - posted on 02/26/2010

it is so hard my daughter is 13 she has been free of siezures for about 8 months then when she went for lab work about an hour after she had one. not a grand mal one but still. this time she lost her sight before hand. I just hate it for her she really had convinced herself that she was passed all of this. I just wish we as moms could fix it.

Jeannie - posted on 02/25/2010

What does his EEG say? Talk to his doctor. Remember, You are the parent and you know your child best!

BillieJo - posted on 02/25/2010

The Dr.s my daughter has gone to have been able to tell us what kind of seizures she has by reading her EEGs. She has atonic seizures and most kids will out grow it when they hit puperty.

Libby - posted on 02/17/2010

I agree with the other poster. If you can control the seizures on medication, then that's fantastic! But the only way of finding out if he needs them is by tapering him off of them. My son is 2 years and 5 months and we recently tapered him off of Keppra because he's been seizure free for two months.... I can't imagine being seizure free for three years, like you!! I sure hope we get to that point! I know it is scary to take your son off the medication, but for me, I had a lot of motivation. When I think of all the side effects he has from the meds, and the fact that they bring all these extra chemicals to his body that otherwise wouldn't be there, I feel strongly that if he can live without it--I want him to! I am thankful that so far, he hasn't had a seizure and he's been off the meds for two weeks now. I would tell you, it's worth trying. I know it can be scary, but think of the freedom! Your son would be free of all that extra stuff running through his body, you'd be free of giving him daily meds, and you'd also be free of the cost that goes along side it! Definitely something to think about!

And as far as the age question, I have heard that generally children who will grow out of seizures do so around the age of five or six. (Around the age of your son now! :) )

Kimberly - posted on 02/16/2010

Most times the only way to find out for sure is to end the meds. I wish you luck, a lifetime on meds stinks, but if it controls the seizures, it's better than the alternative.