[Epileptiform activity in nonepileptic children: clinical-electroencephalographic correlations]

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2006;106(6):42-6.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

Frequency of epileptiform activity in children without epilepsy has been studied in 1920 patients who underwent electroencephalographic examination along with clinical and neuropsychological assessment. The population-based frequency of epileptiform activity was 1,93%. It was found mainly in boys (73%) and was the highest at ages 4-5 and 7-8 years. Regional patterns, especially benign epileptiform discharges of childhood, were found in most cases (86,5%) with predominant involvement of the left hemisphere (56,2%). In most patients, mild to moderate neurological and neuropsychological abnormalities, i.e. chronic headaches, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech delay, enuresis, breath-holding spells, cerebral palsy, tics, were observed. Neither subjective complaints no neurological, cognitive abnormalities were noted in 13,5% of cases. The results obtained suggest that epileptiform activity in non-epileptic children may reflect age-dependent mechanisms of brain dysfunction. Futher studies are needed to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms of this electroclinical association and to elaborate standards of its correction in this group of children.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / physiopathology*