Neuropediatrics 1998; 29(5): 268-271
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973573
Short communications

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Benign Myoclonic Epilepsy in Infants: Video-EEG Features and Long-Term Follow-Up

Yan Ping Lin, K. Itomi, H. Takada, T. Kuboda, A. Okumura, K. Aso, T. Negoro, K. Watanabe
  • Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
12 March 2007 (online)

Abstract

We report video-EEG findings and a long-term follow-up study in 10 patients with benign myoclonic epilepsy in infants (BMEI). A high incidence of a past and family history of febrile convulsions was noted. Six of the 10 patients manifested characteristic vocalization associated with myoclonic seizures. It consisted of a sudden, brief expiratory noise and is considered to be characteristic of BMEI. Afebrile convulsions occurred before the onset of myoclonic seizures or during the clinical course in six patients, but the accurate type of these seizures remains to be clarified. Monotherapy with valproatic acid (VPA) was very effective, but plasma VPA levels over 100 (μg/ml were initially necessary in most of the cases, although they did not need to be maintained for further seizure control. All patients showed a favorable long-term seizure outcome, although one showed moderate mental retardation.