Childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: electroclinical and neurophysiological characterization

Abstract

Abstract: Childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (CECTS) is the most common pediatric epileptic syndrome. CECTS generally has a benign course and tends to remit in adolescence. However, it can present as an atypical form, eventually with worse prognosis. Herein we report the electroclinical features of a sample of children with CECTS and compare the evolution of typical and atypical CECTS. The clinical records of patients were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty patients were included, 62.0% were male and the median age at diagnosis was 7.5 years. The frequency of atypical CECTS was 34.0%. Neuropsychologic comorbidities were identified in 36.4% of typical CECTS and 88.2% of the atypical CECTS group. Atypical CECTS were more frequently treated. Neuropsychological comorbidities are present in both forms of CECTS, however patients with atypical CECTS are more affected. Therefore, all these children should benefit from neuropsychological monitoring and effort should be put on identifying risk factors for atypical CECTS.