The benign infantile epilepsies with evoked spikes

The International Classification of the Epilepsies defines two types of generalized epilepsies: primary (mainly functional) and secondary (organic) and only one type of partial epilepsy, (organic). Recent studies show the existence of a group of "functional" or "mostly functional" partial epilepsies. Among these, a particular place is occupied by the benign infantile epilepsies "with evoked spikes," described during the last 10 years. These are forms with a very particular development, characterized in all cases by 4 typical phases; the last one is the clinical phase with epileptic seizures. The prognosis is very good. The discussion concerns the similarities and the differences between these epilepsies versus the other partial benign epilepsies.