Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:57
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Epilepsy development in infancy with epileptic discharges
Harumi Yoshinaga1, Fumika Endo, Kennichi Kikumoto
1Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Japan. magenta@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Brain & Development
|September 29, 2006
Summary
Early detection of epileptic discharges in infants with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is crucial. Prompt antiepileptic drug treatment for these infants may prevent the development of West syndrome (WS).
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Pediatric Epilepsy
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- West syndrome (WS) is a severe form of epilepsy in infancy.
- Early identification of infants at risk is essential for timely intervention.
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a known risk factor for neurological impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epilepsy types developing in infants with early epileptic discharges.
- To determine the association between periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and West syndrome (WS) development.
- To evaluate the efficacy of early antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment in preventing WS.
Main Methods:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) examinations were conducted on 116 infants.
- 45 infants with early epileptic discharges were analyzed, grouped by the presence of PVL.
- Retrospective observational study design with follow-up until April 2005.
Main Results:
- 26 out of 45 infants with early epileptic discharges developed WS.
- Infants with PVL had a significantly higher likelihood of developing WS compared to those without PVL.
- 11 of 17 infants with PVL developed WS; all WS cases showed initial discharges before 5 months corrected age (CA).
Conclusions:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a strong predictor for West syndrome (WS) development in infants with early epileptic discharges.
- Early epileptic discharges before 3 months corrected age (CA) in preterm infants with PVL warrant prompt antiepileptic treatment.
- Valproate (VPA) therapy showed potential in preventing WS in infants with hypsarrhythmia and improved EEG findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy 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...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:22Epilepsy 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.
01:20Seizures 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,...
01:13Seizures: 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 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:
01:19Seizures 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...