Modern Approaches to Childhood Epilepsy: Emerging Trends from Genetics and Metabolic Disorders to Psychological Care

Childhood epilepsy is a condition with many causes and diverse clinical manifestations. Advances in genetics, the identification of metabolic disorders, and psychological care are contributing to improved diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for pediatric patients.

On the morning of July 18, Phan Chau Trinh University organized the Continuing Medical Education (CME) course, "Modern Approaches to Childhood Epilepsy: From Genetics and Metabolic Disorders to Psychological Care and Medical Trauma Reduction," attracting numerous physicians, healthcare professionals, and participants interested in pediatric neurology.

The program featured an experienced panel of speakers, including:

- MSc. Specialist Level II Physician Nguyen Thi Thuy Van – Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Neurology, Children's Hospital 1

- MD, PhD Nguyen Thi Kim Phuong – Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals, Australia

- MSc. MD Hoang Nguyen Thanh Thuy – Deputy Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Phan Chau Trinh University.
 

MSc. MD Hoang Nguyen Thanh Thuy – Deputy Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Phan Chau Trinh University, delivering her presentation

Through three specialized sessions, participants were updated on the role of genetic sequencing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of childhood epilepsy, gaining a deeper understanding of the value of genetic testing in identifying disease causes and guiding precision medicine. The course also provided knowledge on psychological care and reducing medical procedure-related trauma, equipping healthcare professionals with practical strategies to help children feel less anxious and become more cooperative during medical examinations and treatment. In addition, clinical case discussions on epilepsy and metabolic disorders enabled participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practice while strengthening their analytical thinking, diagnostic skills, and clinical decision-making for individual pediatric cases.

As one of the physicians attending the course, Specialist Level I Physician Nguyen Kim Duy – Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Phan Chau Trinh University Medical Hospital, shared that the sessions on psychological care and medical trauma reduction are highly relevant to daily clinical practice. Based on his experience working with pediatric patients, he always prioritizes creating a safe and comfortable environment for children during every medical visit. When children feel reassured and develop trust in healthcare providers, the treatment process becomes smoother while also reducing the risk of long-term psychological trauma associated with medical care.

The course not only introduced the latest advances in the management of childhood epilepsy but also strengthened the clinical competencies of healthcare professionals. By integrating knowledge of genetics, metabolic disorders, and psychological care, the program aims to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment while providing a safer, more compassionate healthcare experience for children and their families.