Indications of radiological explorations in partial epilepsy of childhood

In partial epilepsy of childhood the decision to request radiological exploration rests on a good knowledge of the disease. The authors summarize the electrical and clinical features of the various types of partial epilepsy. Most of these types, and in particular benign partial epilepsy with rolandic paroxysms, require no exploration. In contrast, symptomatic partial epilepsy must be investigated in search of a brain lesion. In such cases CT is indispensable. The more accurate and more sensitive MRI may be performed either initially or after a negative CT scanning in children with partial epilepsy which does not respond to medical treatment.