Clinical and electroencephalographic features of complex partial seizures in infants

The clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) features were evaluated in a consecutive series of 50 infants with complex partial seizures. The age of onset of seizures showed a peak at age of 2 months. Significant development delay was seen in 60% of the infants. In 92% an underlying aetiological factor could be identified. Birth asphyxia was the commonest aetiological factor (30%). The seizure patterns were most frequently described as behavioural arrest, upward deviation of eyes, tonic posturing of the limbs, apnoea and cyanosis. Interictal EEG showed bilateral temporal lobe foci in 22%, unilateral foci in 78% and multiple foci in 46% of the cases. The response of the seizures to anticonvulsant drugs is discussed.