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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Childhood absence epilepsy

W J Shian1, C S Chi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi = Chinese Medical Journal; Free China Ed
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Regular valproate treatment is key for childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). Posterior delta rhythm on EEG indicates a better prognosis, suggesting fewer patients will develop generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Epilepsy

Background:

  • Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a rare idiopathic generalized epilepsy in children.
  • It has a strong genetic component and an estimated incidence of 6.3-8/100,000 children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review medical and electroencephalographic (EEG) records of 50 Chinese children with CAE.
  • To identify factors influencing the evolution to generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and prognostic indicators.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 50 Chinese children diagnosed with CAE.
  • Analysis of demographic data, medical history, EEG findings, treatment, and seizure evolution.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of onset was 6.9 years; 12% had a family history of epilepsy, and 22% had prior febrile convulsions.
  • Valproate was the primary treatment; 32% evolved to GTCS, with irregular treatment and longer disease duration being significant risk factors.
  • Posterior delta rhythm on EEG was observed in 6 patients, none of whom evolved to GTCS.

Conclusions:

  • Regular valproate treatment is the preferred management for CAE.
  • Posterior delta rhythm on EEG appears to be a favorable prognostic indicator for CAE patients.
Abstract

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