Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Benign infantile seizures: a prospective study
1Department of Neurology, Salta Children's Hospital Niño Jesús de Praga, Salta, Sarmiento 625, CP, 4400 Salta, Argentina. albertoespeche@yahoo.com.ar
Insights
Benign infantile seizures (BIS) is a recognized epilepsy syndrome. This study confirms BIS, noting familial history as the only diagnostic clue and emphasizing the need for follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epilepsy Syndromes
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Benign infantile seizures (BIS) is a recognized idiopathic focal epileptic syndrome with onset in infancy.
- Distinguishing BIS from other infantile epilepsies can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the electroclinical features and evolution of benign infantile seizures (BIS).
- To assess differences between familial and non-familial infantile epilepsy cases.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up study of 41 infants (2-12 months) diagnosed with BIS.
- Patients were divided into familial (n=14) and non-familial (n=21) groups.
- Electroclinical features, seizure characteristics, EEG, neuroimaging, and developmental milestones were assessed.
Main Results:
- Thirty-five patients completed the follow-up (median 69 months).
- Both groups exhibited similar electroclinical features; familial history was the sole differentiator.
- Seizures were brief, clustered in 85% of cases. Interictal EEGs (97%) and neuroimaging (100%) were normal. No recurrences after treatment cessation. Normal neurological exams and development post-follow-up.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the existence and benign nature of BIS.
- Non-familial cases may arise from de novo mutations or sporadic occurrences.
- Early recognition of BIS is possible, but confirmation requires follow-up.
Introduction:
One idiopathic focal epileptic syndrome with onset during infancy is recognized, the benign infantile seizures (BIS).
Objective:
To analyze the electroclinical features and evolution in patients with BIS and assess the difference between familial and non-familial infantile cases.
Patients And Methods:
We performed a prospective follow-up study in 41 patients seen at our department between September 2002 and March 2004, with BIS from 2 to 12 months of age. Among the 41 cases 6 were excluded.
Results:
Thirty five had BIS after the follow-up. The follow-up was 60-77 months (median 69 months). They were divided in Group 1: 14 patients had a family history of similar seizures in infancy and Group 2: 21 without familial history of infantile epilepsy. Both groups have similar electroclinical features and family history of seizures is the only clue to the differential diagnosis. Seizures were brief, and occurred in cluster in 30 patients (85%). Interictal EEGs were normal in 34 cases (97%) and neuroimaging in all children. No one had seizures after finishing the antiepileptic treatment. Neurological examination and developmental milestones remained normal after the follow-up.
Conclusions:
This study confirms the existence of BIS. Non-familial cases might represent novo mutations or sporadic cases of BIS. The recognition of BIS is possible at beginning of the epilepsy. To confirm the syndrome the follow-up is necessary.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Seizures: Classification
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:
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:19Seizures ll: Types
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types