The need for broad spectrum and safe anti-epileptic drugs in childhood epilepsy.

In this short review, the challenges in the treatment of children with epilepsy are highlighted. It is argued that in many cases, broad spectrum anti-epileptic drugs are the best and logical choice at the start of the treatment. At this moment, valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, levetiracetam and possibly zonisamide can be considered as safe broad spectrum anti-epileptic drugs.