Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Published on: December 18, 2016
Benign rolandic epilepsy and generalized paroxysms: A study of 13 patients
Rodrigo Vargas1, Lucas Beltrán1, Rafael Lizama1
1Hospital de Pediatría "Prof. Dr. Juan P Garrahan", Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) can present with generalized EEG discharges as the only initial symptom. This benign epilepsy variant shows good response to valproic acid and levetiracetam.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Neurophysiology
Background:
- Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), also known as benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE), is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome.
- Typical EEG findings in BECTS include focal centrotemporal spikes, but atypical presentations can occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) features of children with BECTS presenting solely with generalized spike-and-wave discharges at onset.
- To evaluate the long-term course and treatment response in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 309 children diagnosed with BECTS between February 2000 and February 2015.
- Identification of 13 children with typical BECTS clinical manifestations but generalized EEG discharges as the sole initial finding.
Main Results:
- Thirteen children (4.2% of the cohort) exhibited generalized spike-and-wave discharges exclusively at onset, persisting throughout the syndrome's course.
- All patients showed generalized discharges while awake and asleep.
- Patients demonstrated good response to antiepileptic drugs, including valproic acid and levetiracetam, with a benign outcome.
Conclusions:
- Generalized EEG discharges can be the sole initial manifestation of BECTS, persisting throughout the syndrome.
- In some cases, focal paroxysms may develop later in the disease course.
- Clinical features and evolution in these patients are similar to typical BECTS, with a favorable prognosis and good response to specific antiepileptic medications.
Purpose:
To present a retrospective study of 13 children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), also known as benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE), associated with generalized spikes and waves as the only EEG manifestation at onset.
Method:
Charts of children with typical clinical criteria of BRE electroclinically followed-up between February 2000 and February 2015 were reviewed.
Results:
Among 309 patients who met the electroclinical criteria of BRE, we identified 13 children who presented with the typical clinical manifestations but who, on the EEG, only had generalized paroxysms at onset that continued along the course of the syndrome. Generalized spike-and-wave discharges were observed in all patients when awake and during sleep (100%). During the evolution no particular electroclinical pattern was observed. The patients responded well to antiepileptic drugs, such as valproic acid and levetiracetam. Outcome was good in all patients.
Conclusions:
We found evidence that patients with BRE may have generalized EEG discharges at onset as the sole manifestation lasting throughout the course of the syndrome. In some, focal paroxysms developed later. The course was benign. In our group of patients, clinical features and evolution were similar to those of typical cases of BRE. Response to valproic acid and levetiracetam was found to be particularly good.
More Related Videos
11:29Anteromesial Temporal Lobectomy for Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Operative Study
Published on: August 15, 2025
08:23A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
01:22Generalized Hooke's Law
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
01:10Carbon-13 (¹³C) NMR: Overview
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...