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Status epilepticus of benign partial epilepsies in children: report of two cases
Insights
Benign partial epilepsies of childhood status epilepticus (BPEC-SE) is a rare condition. Steroids effectively treated BPEC-SE in two children when medications failed, with normal development post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Benign partial epilepsies of childhood (BPEC) are common in school-aged children.
- Status epilepticus (SE) associated with BPEC has not been previously reported.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases presented with clinical and EEG findings suggestive of BPEC-SE.
- Neither case responded to conventional antiepileptic drugs.
Findings:
- Status epilepticus in both patients resolved solely after corticosteroid administration.
- Neurologic and intellectual development remained normal at 1- and 2-year follow-ups.
Implications:
- Corticosteroids may be an effective treatment for BPEC-SE when standard therapies fail.
- This finding expands treatment options for refractory epilepsy in children.
- Further research is warranted to confirm efficacy and understand mechanisms.
Abstract:
Benign partial epilepsies of childhood (BPEC) are one of the most frequent types of epilepsy in school-age children. Status epilepticus (SE) of these conditions have not yet been reported. Two children with clinical and EEG features consistent with the diagnosis of BPEC-SE are presented. In neither case did SE respond to current antiepileptic medications and stopped only after administration of steroids. At follow-up 1 and 2 years post SE, neurologic and intellectual development have been normal. Differential diagnoses included an atypical benign partial epilepsy, epilepsy with electrical status epilepticus during slow sleep, acquired epileptic aphasia, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and epilepsia partialis continua.