Prolonged epileptic apneas in a newborn: a case report with ictal EEG recording

We report a case of repetitive and prolonged apneas, correlating with EEG-focal epileptiform discharges over the right temporal region, in a full-term newborn. After administration of phenobarbital the apneas completely ceased. The neurological examination, the psychomotor development, and the EEG at the age of 12 months were normal. The prolonged duration of the epileptic apneas, the ictal rhythmic delta wave activity, and the favorable outcome distinguish our patient from the majority of previously reported cases.