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[The risk of second seizure in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes without

Anica Basnec1, Drago Skarpa, Nina Barisić

  • 1Zavod za neuropedijatriju, Klinika za pedijatriju Medicinskog fakulteta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska.

Acta Medica Croatica : Casopis Hravatske Akademije Medicinskih Znanosti
|April 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Most children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) experience a second seizure within six months of their first unprovoked seizure. Early treatment after the first seizure in BECTS is recommended due to the high recurrence rate.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epilepsy Research
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common epilepsy syndrome in children.
  • The decision to initiate anti-seizure medication after the first seizure in BECTS remains a clinical dilemma.
  • Understanding seizure recurrence patterns is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the rate of second seizure occurrence within and after six months of the first seizure in untreated children with BECTS.
  • To provide evidence to inform the clinical decision-making process regarding early treatment for BECTS.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study analyzed 30 children (aged 3-11 years) with BECTS who did not receive treatment after their first seizure.
  • Parents were instructed on diazepam rectal solution use for subsequent seizures and advised to monitor the child closely.
  • Data on seizure recurrence within and beyond six months were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Two-thirds of children (66.6%) experienced a second seizure within six months of their first seizure.
  • One-third of children (33.4%) did not have a second seizure within six months; only one had a late recurrence at 14 months.
  • Epileptic status did not occur as a second seizure, regardless of rectal diazepam administration.

Conclusions:

  • Children with BECTS have a high incidence of second seizure within six months of the first seizure.
  • The risk of a second seizure significantly decreases after six months, and the risk of epileptic status is negligible.
  • The high recurrence rate supports the decision to treat all children with BECTS after their first seizure.
Abstract

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