If your child has epilepsy, you may wonder whether it will always continue or whether seizures could stop as they grow. Some childhood epilepsy syndromes improve with age, and seizures may eventually stop during childhood or adolescence.
The outlook depends on the type and cause of epilepsy, so every child is different. Even if your child becomes seizure-free, you should not stop medication without specialist advice, as treatment may be controlling the seizures.
What Does It Mean to “Grow Out” of Epilepsy?
When you hear that a child has “grown out” of epilepsy, it usually means their seizures have stopped as they get older and remain absent without antiseizure medication. Some childhood epilepsy syndromes are described as self-limited because seizures are expected to stop at a certain stage of development.
Being seizure-free while taking medication is different, as the treatment may still be controlling the seizures. Your specialist will consider your child’s epilepsy type, seizure history and treatment response before deciding whether medication can be stopped safely.
Evidence Note
The ILAE describes circumstances in which epilepsy may be considered ‘resolved’, although this is not the same as saying it is permanently cured. Epilepsy may be considered resolved when an age-dependent syndrome has passed its expected age range, or after 10 years seizure-free with at least 5 years off antiseizure medication.
Which Childhood Epilepsies Are Most Likely to Resolve?
Some childhood epilepsies are more likely to improve as your child grows, including several self-limited focal epilepsy syndromes. If your child has one of these conditions, you may be told that seizures are expected to stop by adolescence, although the timing can vary.
“Self-limited” describes the natural course of the epilepsy rather than simply good control with medication. Your specialist will check whether your child’s seizures and EEG findings fit a recognised syndrome and can explain what you may expect as they get older.
Does Self-Limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes Usually Go Away?
Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, or SeLECTS, is a childhood epilepsy that usually improves as your child gets older. Seizures often start during the early school years, commonly involve the face or mouth and may happen during sleep, although they can sometimes spread to cause a bilateral tonic-clonic seizure.
The long-term outlook is generally very good, with seizures usually resolving by puberty and remission expected by adolescence, although the exact age can vary. If your child has SeLECTS, your specialist can explain whether medication is needed and when it may be appropriate to consider reducing treatment.
What Determines Whether Your Child Is Likely to Grow Out of Epilepsy?
The type of epilepsy syndrome is one of the most useful clues when you discuss your child’s long-term outlook. Your specialist will also consider the underlying cause, seizure types, how well the seizures respond to medication, and your child’s development and neurological health.
No single factor can predict exactly what will happen in the future. Your neurologist or paediatrician will bring these details together to explain whether your child’s epilepsy is likely to improve or require longer-term treatment.
Clinical Tip
Ask your child’s specialist for the exact name of their epilepsy syndrome and whether it is considered self-limited. Knowing the syndrome is often more useful for understanding long-term outlook than looking at seizure type alone.
What About Self-Limited Epilepsy with Autonomic Seizures?
Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, or SeLEAS, is another childhood epilepsy with a generally favourable outlook. If your child has this syndrome, seizures may involve nausea, vomiting, changes in skin colour or other autonomic symptoms and can sometimes last for a prolonged period.
Although these seizures can look frightening, SeLEAS is usually self-limited, with seizures typically remitting within one to two years of onset. Your specialist can advise whether daily medication is needed, based on your child’s seizure frequency, duration and individual safety needs.
Do Other Generalised Childhood Epilepsies Resolve with Age?
Other generalised childhood epilepsies can have very different outcomes, so you should not assume that every type will follow the same pattern. Some conditions, such as epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, can improve significantly, while others may have a lower chance of remission.
This is why the specific epilepsy syndrome is more useful than the broad term “generalised epilepsy” when discussing your child’s future. Regular specialist reviews can help ensure that treatment and expectations remain appropriate as your child grows and their seizure pattern changes.
Which Epilepsies Are More Likely to Continue?
Some epilepsy syndromes that begin in childhood or adolescence are more likely to need long-term treatment. If your child has one of these conditions, seizures may still be well controlled even though the epilepsy is less likely to disappear completely.
Conditions such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome can require ongoing management. Even when epilepsy continues, you can still see improvements in seizure control and quality of life as your child’s specialist finds the most suitable long-term treatment.
Can Children Grow Out of Childhood Absence Epilepsy?
Childhood absence epilepsy can improve as your child gets older, but remission is not guaranteed. It usually causes frequent, brief absence seizures in which your child suddenly becomes unaware for a few seconds. Around 60% of children experience remission with age, while some continue to have seizures or evolve to another idiopathic generalised epilepsy syndrome.
If your child has this type of epilepsy, ongoing monitoring may still be needed even when seizures are well controlled. Your specialist can use your child’s symptoms and EEG findings to confirm the diagnosis, discuss the likelihood of remission and explain when medication withdrawal might be considered.
How Can Outlook Differ Between Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes?
| Epilepsy syndrome | General long-term pattern |
| SeLECTS | Self-limited; remission is expected by adolescence |
| SeLEAS | Usually self-limited, with seizures commonly remitting within 1–2 years |
| Childhood absence epilepsy | Many children achieve remission, but some continue with another generalised epilepsy syndrome |
| Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures | Outcome varies, although remission occurs in many children |
| Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy | Often requires long-term treatment, and relapse after medication withdrawal is common |
| Dravet syndrome | Usually requires long-term specialist management |
| Lennox–Gastaut syndrome | Usually requires ongoing specialist management |
These are general patterns rather than predictions for an individual child, so your specialist can explain how closely your child fits the usual course of their syndrome.
Is Being Seizure-Free the Same as Growing Out of Epilepsy?
Being seizure-free is very encouraging, but it does not always mean your child’s epilepsy has resolved. The medication may still be preventing seizures, so your specialist will consider several factors before discussing whether treatment can be reduced.
NICE recommends an individual assessment after two years without seizures to consider the risk of them returning. If you are discussing medication withdrawal, your child’s epilepsy syndrome, seizure history and the possible impact of another seizure will all help guide the decision.
Can an EEG Show Whether Epilepsy Has Gone Away?
An EEG records your child’s brain activity and can help diagnose and classify epilepsy. However, a normal EEG does not always mean that the epilepsy has gone, while some EEG abnormalities can remain even when your child has been seizure-free for a long time.
Your specialist will therefore look at the EEG alongside your child’s seizure history, age, epilepsy syndrome and response to treatment. If an EEG is requested before reducing medication, you can ask what information the result is expected to provide and how it will affect the decision.
Does the Underlying Cause Affect the Long-Term Outlook?
Yes, the cause of your child’s epilepsy can sometimes provide useful clues about whether seizures are likely to continue. Some childhood epilepsy syndromes are age-dependent and have a natural tendency to remit, while others are associated with structural, genetic, metabolic or other neurological causes.
If your child has a known cause, your specialist can explain what it may mean for their long-term outlook. It is important to remember that a genetic diagnosis does not automatically mean the epilepsy will be mild or severe, as different genetic conditions can have very different outcomes.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
| Being seizure-free means epilepsy has definitely gone. | Not necessarily. Medication may still be controlling the seizures. |
| A normal EEG proves epilepsy has disappeared. | No. EEG is only one part of assessing your child’s long-term outlook. |
| Every childhood epilepsy improves with age. | No. Some syndromes are self-limited, while others are more likely to continue. |
| Medication can be stopped as soon as seizures stop. | No. Withdrawal should only be considered after specialist assessment and should usually be gradual. |
| If seizures return after withdrawal, treatment has failed. | Not necessarily. The epilepsy team can reassess the situation and decide on the most appropriate next step. |
When Can Epilepsy Medication Be Reduced or Stopped?
If your child has been seizure-free for some time, you may wonder whether they can eventually stop taking daily medication. For some children this is possible, but your specialist will first assess the risk of seizures returning and, if treatment is stopped, reduce the medicine gradually rather than suddenly.
The timing and withdrawal plan depend on your child’s epilepsy syndrome, age, medicine and individual circumstances. If your child takes more than one antiseizure medicine, the medicines are usually withdrawn one at a time, so you should never change or stop treatment without medical advice.
UK Guidance Note
NICE recommends an individual assessment after two years without seizures before medication withdrawal is considered. If stopping treatment is agreed, most antiseizure medicines are reduced gradually, typically over at least three months, rather than stopped suddenly.Benzodiazepines and barbiturates usually need to be withdrawn over a longer period, so the exact tapering plan will depend on the medicine and the individual child.
Can Seizures Return After Medication Is Stopped?
Yes, seizures can return even after your child has been seizure-free for a long time, particularly when antiseizure medication is reduced or stopped. This is why your specialist will assess the individual risk before treatment is withdrawn, rather than following a fixed timetable.
If your child has a seizure during or after medication withdrawal, contact their epilepsy team promptly. NICE recommends reversing the last dose reduction and seeking guidance from the epilepsy specialist if seizures recur during or after treatment is being discontinued. Keep a record of what happened and, if it is safe to do so, record a video, as this may help the specialist decide whether treatment needs to be restarted.
What Can Affect the Risk of Seizures Returning?
The chance of seizures returning is different for every child. Factors that may influence risk include the epilepsy syndrome, how long your child had epilepsy before becoming seizure-free, how long they have remained seizure-free, their development and whether the EEG still shows epileptiform activity.
No single factor can predict relapse accurately on its own. This is why your specialist combines your child’s diagnosis, seizure history, EEG findings and treatment response rather than using one test or a fixed number of seizure-free years to make the decision.
Clinical Note
If your child develops a noticeably different seizure pattern or loses previously acquired language, learning or other developmental skills, contact their epilepsy team for earlier review rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.
Why Is Follow-Up Still Important When Seizures Have Stopped?
Even if your child has been seizure-free for a long time, follow-up appointments can still be useful while treatment decisions are being made. You can use these reviews to discuss medication, side effects, school progress and whether your child’s epilepsy diagnosis still fits as they grow.
As your child gets older, you may also discuss becoming more independent with medication and other age-related safety issues. If your child eventually remains seizure-free without medication, the frequency or need for specialist follow-up may change, but you should still know when and how to seek advice if seizures return.
Can Learning or Developmental Needs Continue After Seizures Stop?
Seizure remission does not always mean that every learning, attention or developmental difficulty disappears at the same time. For example, some children with SeLECTS can experience difficulties involving language or executive skills during the active phase of epilepsy, while childhood absence epilepsy can also be associated with attention or cognitive difficulties.
If you continue to notice difficulties with learning, attention, language or behaviour after seizures improve, discuss them with your child’s specialist. They can consider whether further assessment or support may be helpful rather than assuming that all concerns should resolve simply because the seizures have stopped.
Can a Child Live an Active, Full Life If Epilepsy Continues?
Many children with epilepsy can enjoy an active and fulfilling childhood, attend school and take part in a wide range of sports and activities. What is suitable will depend on your child’s seizure type, seizure control, development and individual support needs. You may need to plan extra safety measures for activities involving water, heights or roads, depending on your child’s seizure type and how well it is controlled.
You can also work with your child’s school to make sure staff know what their seizures look like and what to do if one occurs. If you are looking for specialist children’s epilepsy treatment in London, discussing your child’s individual needs with their specialist can help you understand what long-term care may involve.
What Should You Ask Your Child’s Epilepsy Specialist About the Future?
It is reasonable to ask whether your child’s epilepsy is expected to improve with age and whether their condition is considered self-limited. You can also ask when remission might be expected, what signs could suggest a different course and when medication withdrawal may be considered if your child remains seizure-free.
It can also help to ask what the plan would be if seizures returned after treatment was stopped. Your specialist can guide you on what your child can safely do now, so discussions focus not only on the future of their epilepsy but also on enjoying school, friendships, sport and family life.
Key Takeaways
- Some childhood epilepsy syndromes are self-limited and are expected to improve with age.
- The exact epilepsy syndrome is one of the most useful factors when discussing long-term outlook.
- SeLECTS and SeLEAS usually have favourable long-term seizure outcomes.
- Childhood absence epilepsy can remit, but not every child follows the same course.
- Being seizure-free while taking medication does not necessarily mean epilepsy has resolved.
- A normal EEG alone cannot confirm that epilepsy has gone away.
- NICE recommends individual assessment after two years seizure-free before considering medication withdrawal.
- Medication should not be stopped or reduced without specialist advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can children grow out of epilepsy?
Yes, some children can grow out of epilepsy as they get older. Certain childhood epilepsy syndromes are self-limited, meaning seizures are expected to stop during childhood or adolescence, while other forms may require long-term treatment.
2. Which types of childhood epilepsy are most likely to go away?
Several self-limited childhood epilepsy syndromes have a particularly favourable outlook. These include self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS), in which remission is expected by adolescence, and self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS), in which seizures usually remit within one to two years.
3. Does being seizure-free mean that epilepsy has gone away?
Not necessarily. Seizures may be controlled by antiseizure medication, so a child can remain seizure-free while still having an underlying tendency to experience seizures. A specialist will consider the epilepsy syndrome, seizure history and other factors before deciding whether treatment can be withdrawn.
4. How long does a child need to be seizure-free before epilepsy medication can be stopped?
There is no single timeframe that applies to every child. NICE recommends an individual assessment of seizure recurrence risk after two years without seizures before considering whether antiseizure medication can be gradually withdrawn.
5. Can seizures return after epilepsy medication is stopped?
Yes, seizures can sometimes return after medication withdrawal, even following a long period of seizure freedom. The risk varies according to factors such as the epilepsy syndrome, seizure type and underlying cause, which is why withdrawal should be supervised by a specialist.
6. Does an EEG show whether a child has grown out of epilepsy?
An EEG can provide useful information about brain activity and help classify epilepsy, but it cannot by itself confirm that epilepsy has permanently disappeared. EEG findings need to be considered alongside the child’s seizure history, diagnosis and clinical progress.
7. Does the cause of epilepsy affect whether a child will grow out of it?
Yes. The underlying cause can influence the long-term outlook. Genetic, structural, metabolic and other causes are associated with different epilepsy syndromes, some of which are self-limited while others are more likely to continue into adulthood.
8. Can children with epilepsy live active and fulfilling lives?
Many children with epilepsy can attend school, take part in activities and enjoy an active childhood. Safety precautions may be needed for activities such as swimming or situations where a seizure could cause injury, depending on the child’s seizure pattern and level of control.
9. What happens if childhood epilepsy does not go away?
If epilepsy continues, treatment focuses on achieving the best possible seizure control while supporting the child’s development, education and quality of life. Medication may need to continue, and specialist teams may consider additional treatments when seizures remain difficult to control.
10. When should a child’s epilepsy prognosis be reviewed?
The prognosis should be reviewed regularly as the child grows and their seizure pattern develops. Changes in seizure type, EEG findings, development, medication response or the identification of a specific epilepsy syndrome can all affect expectations for the future.
Final Thoughts: Can Children Grow Out of Epilepsy?
For some children, epilepsy does improve or resolve as they grow, particularly when they have a self-limited childhood epilepsy syndrome. However, the long-term outlook varies depending on the epilepsy type, underlying cause, seizure pattern and response to treatment. Becoming seizure-free is encouraging, but it does not necessarily mean that medication can be stopped straight away.
Regular specialist reviews can help assess your child’s progress and determine whether treatment can eventually be reduced safely. If medication withdrawal is considered, it should be planned gradually with the epilepsy team rather than stopped suddenly. Even when epilepsy continues, appropriate treatment and support can help children take part in school, activities and everyday life.
If you’re considering children’s epilepsy treatment in London, you can get in touch with us at London Paediatric Clinic to discuss your child’s epilepsy, treatment options and ongoing care.
References:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2022, updated 2026) Epilepsies in children, young people and adults. NICE guideline NG217. Published 27 April 2022; last reviewed 5 August 2026. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng217
- NHS (2025) Epilepsy. Page last reviewed 6 March 2025. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/
- Zuberi, S.M., Wirrell, E., Yozawitz, E. et al. (2022) ‘ILAE classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in neonates and infants: Position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions’, Epilepsia, 63(6), pp. 1349–1397. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35503712/
- International League Against Epilepsy (2024) Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS). Updated 30 June 2024. Available at: https://www.epilepsydiagnosis.org/syndrome/ects-overview.html
- International League Against Epilepsy (2024) Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS). Updated 30 June 2024. Available at: https://www.epilepsydiagnosis.org/syndrome/panayiotopoulos-overview.html
- Berg, A.T., Levy, S.R., Testa, F.M. and Blumenfeld, H. (2014) ‘Long-term seizure remission in childhood absence epilepsy: might initial treatment matter?’, Epilepsia, 55(4), pp. 551–557. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3999182/
- Healy, L., Moran, M., Singhal, S., O’Donoghue, M.F., Alzoubidi, R. and Whitehouse, W.P. (2018) ‘Relapse after treatment withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs for juvenile absence epilepsy and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy’, Seizure, 59, pp. 116–122. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29807291/
- Fisher, R.S., Acevedo, C., Arzimanoglou, A. et al. (2014) ‘ILAE official report: a practical clinical definition of epilepsy’, Epilepsia, 55(4), pp. 475–482. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24730690/
- Lamberink, H.J., Otte, W.M., Geerts, A.T. et al. (2017) ‘Individualised prediction model of seizure recurrence and long-term outcomes after withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs in seizure-free patients: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis’, The Lancet Neurology, 16(7), pp. 523–531. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28483337/
- Hirsch, E., French, J., Scheffer, I.E. et al. (2022) ‘ILAE definition of the Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy Syndromes: Position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions’, Epilepsia, 63(6), pp. 1475–1499. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35503716/
- Specchio, N., Wirrell, E.C., Scheffer, I.E., Nabbout, R., Riney, K., Samia, P. et al. (2022) ‘International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions’, Epilepsia, 63(6), pp. 1398–1442. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35503717/
- International League Against Epilepsy (2024) Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE). Updated 30 June 2024. Available at: https://www.epilepsydiagnosis.org/syndrome/cae-overview.html