Drug-resistant epilepsy and its selected complications in children

Abstract

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children is one of the most diagnosed disorders of the nervous system. Despite the availability of pharmacotherapy with various mechanisms of action, drug resistance leads to the inability to achieve the intended therapeutic effect. Considering the complex etiology of this disease entity, there is an urgent need to deepen our knowledge regarding the determinants of DRE, as well as the potential for improving the quality of life for patients and their families. This paper provides an overview and description of the latest advancements and current state of knowledge related to the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, possible complications, and especially genetic basis of DRE in the Polish population of children.

Keywords

• complications
• drug-resistant epilepsy
• genetic basis