Rolandic epilepsy: an uncommon presentation with leg motor seizures

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  • 1Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy. lucia.fusco@opbg.net

Epilepsia
|January 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Rolandic epilepsy (RE), a common childhood epilepsy, can present with leg seizures. Recognizing this benign syndrome is crucial to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Rolandic epilepsy (RE) is the most common childhood epileptic syndrome, typically benign and self-limiting.
  • Characterized by sleep-related orofacial seizures and specific EEG findings (centrotemporal spikes).
  • Less common seizure presentations, like leg sensorimotor seizures, may be underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic challenge of Rolandic epilepsy when leg sensorimotor seizures are the predominant manifestation.
  • To emphasize the importance of recognizing this benign syndrome to prevent unnecessary investigations and therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 230 children diagnosed with Rolandic epilepsy.
  • Identification of cases where leg sensorimotor seizures were the primary ictal event.

Main Results:

  • Six out of 230 (approximately 2.6%) children with RE presented primarily with leg sensorimotor seizures.
  • These cases posed diagnostic difficulties, potentially leading to extensive workups and treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Leg sensorimotor seizures can be an underrecognized presentation of Rolandic epilepsy.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis of RE, even with atypical seizure types, is essential for appropriate management and avoiding overtreatment.

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