Pediatria pre prax 3/2016

Epileptic encefalopathies

Epileptic encefalopathies represent a group of severe epileptic syndromes of childhood characterized by pharmacoresistant seizures, severe electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities, cognitive deficit or deterioration and poor prognosis, including high morbidity and mortality. They can be symptomatic (caused by structural disorder of the brain, metabolic disorders, etc.), idiopathic (genetically conditioned) or cryptogenic. In these syndromes, ictal and/or interictal epileptic activity itself may contribute to severe cognitive and behavioural impairments beyond what might be expected from the underlying pathology alone. Because of this, the goal of the treatment is not only seizure control, but also amelioration of the EEG findings and improvement of cognitive functions.

Keywords: epilepsy, epileptic encephalopaties, cognitive deterioration, electroencephalography, pharmacoresistant seizures