Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

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

Published on: September 20, 2024

Benign epilepsy of childhood with rolandic spikes: typical and atypical variants

Anita Datta1, D Barry Sinclair

  • 1Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Pediatric Neurology
|March 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with typical and atypical benign epilepsy of childhood with rolandic spikes (BECRS) show similar seizure freedom rates and long-term outcomes. Comorbidities were slightly more common in the atypical group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Benign epilepsy of childhood with rolandic spikes (BECRS) is a common epilepsy syndrome in children.
  • Distinguishing typical from atypical presentations is crucial for prognosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical course and outcomes of children with typical versus atypical features of BECRS.
  • To identify any differences in seizure control, medication requirements, and long-term prognosis between the two groups.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series design.
  • Inclusion of 126 children diagnosed with BECRS at a tertiary-care pediatric hospital.
  • Subdivision into typical (Group A) and atypical (Group B) features based on clinical presentation.

Main Results:

  • Comorbid disorders, such as ADHD and behavioral problems, were slightly more frequent in the atypical BECRS group.
  • No significant difference in time to seizure freedom was observed between groups; by two years, 62% of typical and 71% of atypical cases were seizure-free.
  • Approximately 16% of children required a second anti-epileptic drug, with a slightly higher proportion in the atypical group.
  • Resolution of epilepsy occurred over similar timeframes for both groups, with comparable long-term outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Typical and atypical presentations of BECRS exhibit similar seizure control rates and long-term outcomes.
  • While comorbid conditions may be more prevalent in atypical cases, they do not appear to significantly alter the overall prognosis of BECRS.

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

EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development11:50

EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development

Published on: April 9, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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.
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,...
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 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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...