Abstract:

Objective To analyse the differences between idiopathic and symptomatic childhood epilepsy with occipital paroxysms. Methods The medical records of 38 patients with interictal spikes and/or sharp waves over occipital areas, posterior temporal-parietal areas, or both were retrospectively analysed. Epidemiological data, ictal symptoms, electroencephalogram, neuroimaging studies, treatment response and prognosis were compared using chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test. Results Four patients of  idiopathic group had positive family history related to nervous system. Seizures were more frequent in symptomatic group than in idiopathic group. Both groups showed autonomic symptoms, while ictal vomiting and deviation of eyes were more common in the presence of Panayiotopoulos type. The prognosis of idiopathic group was much better than that of symptomatic group. Conclusion Panayiotopoulos syndrome is more common. Neurologic deficits and electroencephalographic characteristics are major factors to predict seizure remission in children with occipital lobe epilepsy. Idiopathic childhood epilepsy with occipital paroxysms may result in better prognosis.

Key words: occipital paroxysms, Panayiotopoulos type, Gastaut type, childhood