The coexistence of idiopathic generalized epilepsy and partial epilepsy

To describe the clinical, EEG, and imaging data of a series of patients with features of both idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and partial epilepsy.

A computerized database of all patients attending the regional epilepsy clinic was used to identify all patients with IGE. Case notes were reviewed, and cases with clinical evidence of co-existing partial epilepsy identified.

Nine cases with clinical features of a partial and generalized-onset epilepsy and with electrophysiological evidence of IGE are presented. This represented <1% of the overall IGE population in the clinic. Five (55.6%) patients are currently in remission, with successful epilepsy surgery in one patient.

The coexistence of IGE and partial epilepsy is uncommon, and if appropriate treatment with a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug is given, then the prognosis can be good. Surgery should be considered for those cases with medically intractable partial-onset seizures as part of this syndrome.