Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
09:32

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Published on: December 18, 2016

Clinical correlations of occipital epileptiform discharges in children

M H Libenson1, B Caravale, A N Prasad

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Floating Hospital for Children at New England Medical Center, and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

Neurology
|August 3, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Most childhood epilepsy with occipital epileptiform discharges (OEDs) is symptomatic. A normal EEG background rhythm or generalized spike-wave discharges (GSW) suggest idiopathic epilepsy and a better prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Neurophysiology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Occipital epileptiform discharges (OEDs) are a recognized EEG pattern in children.
  • Understanding the etiology and prognostic indicators of OEDs is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of various causes of OEDs in children.
  • To identify EEG features predicting epilepsy type and prognosis in children with OEDs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of EEG data from children with OEDs.
  • Recording of diagnosis, neurological status, seizure semiology, and remission status.
  • Correlation of EEG findings (background rhythm, GSW) with epilepsy etiology and outcome.

Main Results:

  • Of 90 patients, 56% had symptomatic epilepsy, 34% idiopathic, and 9% no seizures.
  • Symptomatic epilepsy was associated with background slowing (87%), while idiopathic epilepsy was linked to normal backgrounds (87%).
  • Normal background rhythm predicted seizure remission (62%) and GSW correlated with idiopathic epilepsy (60%).

Conclusions:

  • The majority of childhood epilepsy presenting with OEDs is symptomatic, with rare occurrences of syndromes like benign childhood epilepsy with occipital paroxysms (BCEOP).
  • Visual ictal symptoms are infrequent.
  • Generalized spike-wave discharges (GSW) and a normal background EEG rhythm are associated with idiopathic epilepsy and a more favorable prognosis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.