Epilepsy - Introduction

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West Syndrome (Infantile Spasms). West syndrome, also called infantile spasms, is a disorder that involves spasms and developmental delay in children within the first year, usually in infants ages 4 - 8 months.

Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions. Benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC) are a rare, inherited form of generalized seizures that occur in infancy. BFNC appears to be caused by genetic defects that affect channels in nerve cells that carry potassium.

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (Impulsive Petit Mal). Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, also called impulsive petit mal epilepsy, is characterized by generalized seizures, usually tonic-clonic marked by jerky movements (called myoclonic jerks), and sometimes absence seizures. It usually occurs in younger people ages 8 - 20.

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Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy in young children that causes multiple seizures and some developmental retardation. It usually involves absence, tonic, and partial seizures.

Myoclonic-Astatic Epilepsy. Myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (MAE) is a combination of myoclonic seizures and astasia (a decrease or loss of muscular coordination), often resulting in the inability to sit or stand without aid.

Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy. Progressive myoclonic epilepsy is a rare inherited disorder typically occurring in children ages 6 - 15. It usually involves tonic-clonic seizures and marked sensitivity to light flashes.

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome. Landau-Kleffner syndrome is a rare epileptic condition that typically affects children ages 3 - 7. It results in the loss of ability to communicate either with speech or by writing (aphasia).

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It is a medical emergency. Permanent brain damage or death can result if the seizure is not treated effectively.

The condition is defined as recurrent convulsions that last for more than 30 minutes and are interrupted by only brief periods of partial relief. Although any type of seizure can be sustained or recurrent, the most serious form of status epilepticus is the generalized convulsive or tonic-clonic type. In some cases, status epilepticus occurs with the first seizure.