[How must we manage epileptic encephalopathies in infants? Conclusions]

Epileptic encephalopathies are defined as epileptic syndromes in which the epileptic activity per se (in the form of frequent seizures or the presence of interictal epileptiform activity) contributes to a cognitive and behavioural disorder that is more important than could be expected from the causation of the disorder. Their aetiological diagnosis is fundamental to allow an early treatment to be established. We propose a diagnostic algorithm for patients with epileptic encephalopathy with onset during the first year of life, which includes management coordinated with electroencephalographic studies, neuroimaging, and screening for metabolic and genetic disorders.