소아 뇌전증의 통합적 치료 관점 - 현대의학과 한의학의 종합적 고찰

Integrative Perspectives on Pediatric Epilepsy - A Comprehensive Review of Conventional and Traditional Korean Medicine Approaches

Objectives: Pediatric epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal cortical neuronal discharges. It is one of the most common neurological diseases in children, with significant impacts on cognitive, emotional, and social development. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, etiology, and therapeutic approaches for pediatric epilepsy, focusing on the application and efficacy of traditional Korean medicine(TKM) treatments. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CNKI, and Google Scholar to identify recent studies related to pediatric epilepsy and traditional medicine. Search terms included “pediatric epilepsy,” “childhood epilepsy,” “traditional medicine,” “Korean medicine,” and “acupuncture.” Results: In Western medicine, pharmacotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment, using antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, sodium valproate, and phenytoin. However, long-term use can lead to adverse effects including behavioral issues, hepatic dysfunction, and developmental delay. For refractory epilepsy, surgical interventions or adjunctive treatments such as vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and ketogenic diet therapy are considered, In TKM, epilepsy is categorized according to congenital (taegan, 胎癎) and acquired factors such as fright (gyeong, 驚), wind (pung, 風), phlegm (dam, 痰), food retention (sik, 食), and blood stasis (eohyeol, 瘀血), Treatment focuses on calming the spirit, extinguishing wind, resolving phlegm, and activating blood circulation through herbal medicine and acupuncture. Conclusion: TKM provides a complementary therapeutic approach that considers both pathophysiological and developmental characteristics of children. Further experimental and clinical research is warranted to establish evidence-based guidelines for integrative management of pediatric epilepsy.