Innovative Approaches in Pediatric Epilepsy: Early Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Emerging Therapies

Pediatric epilepsy is a complex and heterogeneous neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain activity. Affecting approximately 10 million children worldwide, it poses significant challenges for pediatricians and neurologists due to its diverse etiologies, ranging from genetic disorders to brain injuries. The profound impact of epilepsy on cognitive function, behavior, and overall development, highlights the urgency of early and accurate diagnosis, as well as the need for more effective treatment strategies. Epilepsy in children is frequently associated with a range of comorbid conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD), psychiatric conditions (such as anxiety and depression), and cognitive impairments. These comorbidities necessitate a holistic evaluation of each patient, considering not only seizure control but also broader neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and rehabilitation sciences to optimize long-term quality of life. In recent years, there has been substantial progress in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric epilepsy, leading to improved diagnostic techniques and novel therapeutic approaches, including targeted pharmacological interventions, neuromodulation, and gene therapy. Despite these advancements, a considerable number of children continue to experience uncontrolled seizures, highlighting the need for continued research into underlying mechanisms, and innovative management strategies.

The goal of this Research Topic is to gather and highlight recent advances and ongoing research efforts in pediatric epilepsy with a strong emphasis on early diagnosis, biomarkers, the role of artificial intelligence in diagnostic and prognostic modeling and the development of personalized treatments. By addressing gaps in current knowledge, this collection aims to foster innovations in clinical practice and research. Specific areas of interest include the integration of multi-omics approaches for identifying novel biomarkers, advancements in neuroimaging and electrophysiology, exploring emerging treatments, precision medicine and neurostimulation techniques. This Research Topic will showcase cutting-edge research and propose practical solutions to enhance clinical outcomes.

This Research Topic welcomes interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations to foster a holistic understanding and treatment of pediatric epilepsy. Contributors are encouraged to submit any article type accepted by the journal, including but not limited to:

- Epidemiology and Risk Factors: Updated insights into the incidence, prevalence, and genetic/environmental risk factors of pediatric epilepsy.
- Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis: Novel molecular, imaging, and electrophysiological biomarkers to improve early and precise diagnosis.
- AI and Machine Learning in Epilepsy: Application of AI for seizure prediction, automated EEG interpretation, and personalized treatment strategies.
- Advances in Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology: Innovations in EEG, MRI, PET, MEG and SPECT imaging for improved epilepsy classification and localization.
- Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms: Exploration of genetic and epigenetic regulation, and their role in epilepsy pathophysiology.
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches for pediatric epilepsy
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapies: The potential of regenerative medicine and gene-editing technologies for epilepsy treatment.
- Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders: Investigating bidirectional relationships between epilepsy and sleep disturbances, and their therapeutic implications.
- Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy: In-depth studies on the genetic and environmental factors underlying developmental epileptic encephalopathy and new therapeutic approaches.
- Holistic and Multidisciplinary Approaches to Addressing the Burden of Pediatric Epilepsy: Integrating neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and rehabilitative strategies to address epilepsy-related comorbidities and improve long-term patient outcomes.
- Drug-resistant epilepsies in the pediatric population

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Pediatric Epilepsy, seizures, drug-resistant epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, pediatric neurology, childhood epilepsy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.