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Nonconvulsive epileptiform activity appearing as ataxia
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Silent seizures can cause ataxia in young children. Adjusting anti-seizure medication improved both gait and EEG in patients with pseudoataxia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Epileptology
Background:
- Ataxia, or unsteadiness of gait, is a common pediatric concern.
- Differential diagnosis for pediatric ataxia is broad, including various neurological and metabolic conditions.
Observation:
- Three young patients (3-5 years) presented with ataxia.
- All patients exhibited epileptiform electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns, specifically slow spike-and-wave activity.
- Standard diagnostic workups for other ataxia causes, including toxic anticonvulsant levels, were negative.
Findings:
- The observed epileptiform activity was nonconvulsive.
- Treatment modification of anticonvulsant regimens led to significant clinical improvement in gait and EEG normalization.
- This condition, termed pseudoataxia, links silent epilepsy to ataxia.
Implications:
- Pseudoataxia should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of unexplained pediatric ataxia.
- Early identification and appropriate management of nonconvulsive epilepsy can resolve ataxia symptoms.
- This highlights the importance of EEG in diagnosing atypical presentations of epilepsy.