About Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy
What is Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy?
Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy (BPE-SGSI) is a rare form of epilepsy that typically begins in infancy and is characterized by focal seizures that can spread to become generalized seizures. It is considered a benign form of epilepsy because it usually resolves by the age of two or three without the need for long-term treatment.
What are the symptoms of Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy?
The symptoms of Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized Seizures in infancy can include:
-Focal Seizures with or without secondary generalization
-Focal Seizures with automatisms (involuntary movements)
-Focal Seizures with impaired consciousness
-Focal Seizures with tonic-clonic movements
-Focal Seizures with staring spells
-Focal Seizures with eye deviation
-Focal Seizures with lip smacking
-Focal Seizures with head nodding
-Focal Seizures with chewing or swallowing movements
-Focal Seizures with vocalization
-Focal Seizures with hyperventilation
-Focal Seizures with clonic jerking
-Focal Seizures with myoclonic jerks
-Focal Seizures with atonic (drop) attacks
-Focal Seizures with autonomic symptoms (sweating, flushing, pall
What are the causes of Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy?
The causes of Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy are not fully understood. Possible causes include genetic factors, metabolic disturbances, and structural abnormalities in the brain. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
What are the treatments for Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy?
1. Medication: The most common medications used to treat benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy are anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, valproic acid, and levetiracetam.
2. Dietary Therapy: The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used to treat epilepsy in children. It has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some children with benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy.
3. Surgery: Surgery may be recommended in some cases of benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy. The goal of surgery is to remove the area of the brain that is causing the seizures.
4. Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a treatment
What are the risk factors for Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy?
1. Family history of epilepsy
2. Low birth weight
3. Premature birth
4. Perinatal asphyxia
5. Neonatal jaundice
6. Maternal infections during pregnancy
7. Maternal drug use during pregnancy
8. Head trauma
9. Genetic mutations
10. Abnormal brain development
Is there a cure/medications for Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy?
Yes, there are medications available to treat Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy. These medications include anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, valproic acid, and levetiracetam. In some cases, a ketogenic diet may also be recommended.