Secondary generalized epilepsy in childhood: EEG patterns and correlation with responsiveness to benzodiazepines or ACTH (preliminary note)

Secondary generalized epilepsy in childhood, characterized by absences or minor motor seizures, occurs in the forms of various syndromes, as defined by current classifications. EEG often shows continuous or subcontinuous paroxysmal activity associated with partly reversible psychomotor or mental regression. The paroxysmal activity can exhibit one of two distinct patterns: “organized” or “disorganized,” although intermediate forms are common. The two patterns differ not only morphologically but also in the responsiveness to drug or hormone therapy, reactivity to stimuli, sleep changes and frequency of disordered slow rhythms. These features are illustrated by means of a survey of 10 cases.