Electrophysiological characterisation of myoclonic-atonic seizures in symptomatic continuous spike-waves during slow sleep syndrome

Epileptic Disord. 2009 Mar;11(1):90-4. doi: 10.1684/epd.2009.0251. Epub 2009 Mar 23.

Abstract

Sudden epileptic falls are frequently reported in continuous spike-waves during slow sleep (CSWS) syndrome. Inhibitory seizures are usually considered as the underlying mechanism. However, published polygraphic recordings are rare. We report the case of a 22 month-old boy suffering from a symptomatic CSWS syndrome associated with a perinatal stroke involving the right middle cerebral artery territory. He presented with psychomotor regression and daily multiple falls related to myoclonic-atonic seizures. Neurophysiological examination showed secondary generalized myoclonus systematically correlated with a bilateral spike spreading from the right central area. This confirms that positive myoclonus, in addition to negative myoclonus, may be responsible for epileptic falls in CSWS syndrome. [Published with video sequences].

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Cerebral Artery / physiopathology*
  • Regression, Psychology*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Seizures / physiopathology*
  • Sleep*
  • Stroke / complications*
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Syndrome