SELF-LIMITED EPILEPSY WITH AUTONOMIC SEIZURES (SeLEAS)

Overview

Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (formerly known as Panayiotopoulos syndrome or early onset benign occipital epilepsy) is characterized by the onset in early childhood of focal autonomic seizures that are often prolonged. The EEG commonly shows high amplitude focal spikes typically activated by sleep. Seizures are infrequent in most patients. Seizures are self-limiting with remission typically within a few years from onset.

NOTE Self-limiting refers to there being a high likelihood of seizures spontaneously remitting at a predictable age.

Clinical context

Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures is characterized by onset of seizures between 3-6 years (range 1-14 years). Both sexes are affected equally. Antecedent and birth history is usually normal, a history of febrile seizures is seen in 5-17% of patients. Head size and neurological examination are usually normal. Development and cognition are normal. Seizure frequency is usually low, 25% of children have only a single seizure and most children have ≤5 seizures in total. Seizures usually remit in 1-2 years. Some patients may evolve to have self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.