Behavioural Epileptic Seizures: A Clinical and Intracranial EEG Study in 8 Children with Frontal Lobe Epilepsy

M. Fohlen; C. Bulteau; C. Jalin; I. Jambaque; O. Delalande

doi:10.1055/s-2004-830410

Neuropediatrics, Table of Contents

Neuropediatrics 2004; 35(6): 336-345
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830410

Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Behavioural Epileptic Seizures: A Clinical and Intracranial EEG Study in 8 Children with Frontal Lobe Epilepsy

M. Fohlen¹ , C. Bulteau¹ , C. Jalin¹ , I. Jambaque² , O. Delalande¹

¹Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique, Fondation Opthalmologique A. de Rothschild, Paris, France
²Laboratoire Cognition et Développement (CNRS 8605), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris 5, Paris, France

Abstract

We report on eight children who underwent prolonged invasive video-EEG recording (IC-EEG) for intractable frontal lobe epilepsy and whose seizures consisted of behaviour changes. Seizures were recorded on a BMSI computer with 128 channels connected to the Gotman software of a stellate system; their identification was made both clinically and by automatic detection of paroxysmal electrical events. Behavioural epileptic seizures (BES) consisted of various clinical signs comprising mood change, sudden agitation, unexpected quietness, and subtle change of awareness or awakening. In 2 patients, seizures consisted in repetitive movements that we referred to as epileptic stereotypes. BES came from the prefrontal areas of the brain. Most of them were overlooked or misdiagnosed as behavioural manifestations, especially in children with mental deficiency and autistic features. Given the improvement of behaviour and mental functions following surgery, we assume that BES may contribute to generate mental and behavioural dysfunction.

Key words

Behavioural epileptic seizures - frontal lobe epilepsy - childhood - epilepsy surgery - intracranial recording - stereotypes

Full Text

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Martine Fohlen

Fondation Rothschild
Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique

25 rue Manin

75019 Paris

France

Email: mfohlen@fo-rothschild.fr