[Value of the "startle" symptom in predicting the development of epileptic phenomena in infancy]

This is the first description of the "startle reaction" observed in young children and of the technique of its stimulation. On the basis of the study of 38 children with the given symptom and of 30 control children aged up to 6 months the independence and pathologic nature of the startle reaction have been proved. 12-month follow-up of both groups has allowed the authors to draw up the conclusion about the prognostic significance of the symptom for the development of epileptic phenomena in children. A principle of preventive therapy for the prophylaxis of convulsive manifestations and reducing the duration of the anticonvulsive therapy is proposed.