Purpose: Little is known on the use of non-pharmacological treatments in the management of pediatric disorders in Western countries. Our aim was to study the current situation in Geneva regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAMs) in the management of epilepsy and to determine whether certain practices stand out more than others in order to study them more specifically.

Method: This cross-sectional study used a structured questionnaire distributed to parents of patients with epilepsy attending our pediatric neurology consultation in Geneva University Hospitals. Data collection took place during consultations between November 2020 and December 2021. Questions addressed the use of CAMs, including a section examining the intention with which parents privileged these approaches and whether beneficial or side effects were reported.

Results: We obtained 100 responses, but not all items on the questionnaires were completed. A majority of the questionnaires were completed by women (n=64, 66%) and by parents whose culture is predominantly Swiss (n=58, 59.8%). CAMs were frequently used: 69.1% had already benefited from alternative medicine. For example, homeopathy was used by 39 (40%) of the respondents and osteopathy by 29 (30%). Phytotherapy (n=23, 24%), kinesiology (n=19, 20%) and aromatherapy (n=18, 19%) were also commonly used. When parents use CAMs for themselves, they often tend to use them for their children (n=48 children, 89%). 2 (3%) of respondents reported adverse events in relation to CAMs use, such as increased seizures with essential oils or vomiting after osteopathic manipulations.

Conclusion: An important part of the population of children with epilepsy followed at a highly specialized pediatric tertiary care center in Geneva, Switzerland, uses CAMs in the management of the disease. It seems important to take this into account in the practice of pediatric neurology and above all to specifically study the mode of action, the efficacy, and the safety of these approaches.