Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 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 childhood epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes: evolutive clinical, cognitive and EEG aspects

Glória M A S Tedrus1, Lineu C Fonseca, Dioraci P Castilho

  • 1Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. gmtedrus@uol.com.br

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|August 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) can improve cognitive abilities, particularly IQ, although some children experience worsening arithmetic skills linked to persistent seizures. Further research is needed to understand cognitive development in BECTS.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common epilepsy syndrome in children.
  • Cognitive development and academic performance in children with BECTS require further investigation.
  • Longitudinal studies are essential to understand the evolving impact of BECTS on cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally assess changes in seizure activity, EEG epileptiform activity (EA), and cognitive functions in children with BECTS.
  • To compare WISC-III and School Performance Test results before and after the study period.
  • To identify potential correlations between seizure characteristics, EA, and cognitive outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 32 children diagnosed with BECTS was followed for a mean of 27.6 months.
  • Seizure frequency, EEG recordings, WISC-III, and School Performance Test were evaluated at baseline and follow-up.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to compare changes and identify correlations.

Main Results:

  • Nine children (28.1%) continued to experience seizures, while EA reduced or resolved in 6 children (18.7%).
  • Significant improvements were observed in performance and perceptual organization IQ scores.
  • Worsening arithmetic performance in 43.7% of children was associated with persistent seizures; no significant correlation was found between cognitive changes and EA characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • Some children with BECTS show cognitive improvements, particularly in IQ, but arithmetic skills may decline, especially with ongoing seizures.
  • The study highlights the complex relationship between epilepsy, cognitive development, and academic achievement in BECTS.
  • Further research is recommended to explore other factors influencing cognitive evolution in this population.

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

Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex09:00

Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Published on: April 15, 2015

Related Concept Videos

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...
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,...
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...
Electroconvulsive Therapy01:30

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...