For other children there are no answers. Epilepsy can cause a lifetime of problems. PERC brings together the best researchers and clinicians across a number of medical specialties who are intent on finding new ways to prevent, control, and cure pediatric epilepsy. Out of Control Fifty million people worldwide, including 2.5 million Americans, suffer front some form of epilepsy, or recurring seizure disorder. Of the nearly 200.000 new cases of epilepsy each year in the United States, about 75 percent begin in childhood.
Epilepsy is more common in children than diabetes and kidney disease.
Epilepsy is always a serious disorder. In children whose brains and bodies are developing, recurrent seizures can devastate. Uncontrolled epilepsy affects intelligence, memory, concentration, motor skills, problem solving, school performance, and behavior. Even children whose epilepsy is under control may face problems, such as side effects from medications and damage from previous seizures. Parents of children with epilepsy face a lifetime Of wondering When their child's next seizure will occur and what it will mean, Children with epilepsy live with fear of their condition and stigma from others.