Abstract:

Objective   To explore the atypical clinical presentation, electroencephalography characteristics, treatment and prognosis of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECT). Methods   We collected the clinical data of 122 BECT children who were treated in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from September 2006 to July 2012. Ambulatory or video electroencephalography monitoring was performed in 11  BECT children who had atypical symptoms screened from the above 122 children. The seizure semeiology, neuropsychological impairment and response to antiepileptic drugs were analyzed and followed up in the 11 children. Results   All of the 11 cases showed seizure changes or electroencephalography deterioration. Sodium valproate was only effective in 2 cases. Combination of sodium valproate and clonazepam was effective in 4 cases. Topiramate were effective in 3 cases. Electrical status epilepticus still existed during sleep after various antiepileptic drug therapy in 2 cases. Conclusion   Atypical presentations and  different forms of seizure semeiology exist in BECT. The clinical presentations are associated with electroencephalography deterioration and cognitive deficits, and the seizures are relatively difficult to control.

Key words: Benign epilepsy； Atypical presentations； Children； Centrotemporal spikes； Ambulatory electroencephalogram