Abstract
We describe a group of 26 children with no prior history of seizures consistent with benign rolandic epilepsy who had rolandic spikes found coincidentally on EEG. A retrospective chart review as well as phone and email follow-ups with families were completed to assess long-term outcomes. A subset of this group (n. =. 7) with reported comorbid language or learning difficulties was then given an empiric trial of levetiracetam. Seven (27%) children eventually developed seizures, with a median of 14. months after the abnormal EEG. Of the 7 children ever treated with levetiracetam, 5 exhibited beneficial effects on learning, speech, or behavior. Side effects reported were mild and included irritability and headache. Incidental rolandic spikes may represent a discrete neurologic condition, with approximately one-quarter of the patients later developing epilepsy. Some of these children may experience improved intellectual functioning with levetiracetam.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 135-138 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Epilepsy and Behavior |
Volume | 43 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Cognition
- EEG
- Epilepsy
- Levetiracetam
- Rolandic
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Behavioral Neuroscience