Panayiotopoulos syndrome: a benign childhood autonomic epilepsy frequently imitating encephalitis, syncope, migraine, sleep disorder, or gastroenteritis

Scalp EEG-recorded high-frequency oscillations can predict seizure activity in Panayiotopoulos syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We studied the relationship between the clinical course of Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) and high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) captured during interictal scalp electroencephalography (EEG) to determine the feasibility of using HFOs to detect seizure activity in PS.

METHODS

We analyzed the interictal scalp EEGs of 18 children with PS. Age parameters, seizure frequencies, and antiepileptic drugs were compared between the HFO-positive (HFOPG) and HFO-negative (HFONG) groups.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (72.2%) had HFOs while five patients (27.8%) had no HFOs in 194 interictal EEG records. We found no statistically significant differences in the mean age of epilepsy onset and last seizure, seizure frequency, or frequency of status epilepticus. However, the seizure activity period of the HFOPG was significantly longer than that of the HFONG. Patients with an HFO duration longer than 2 years were intractable to treatment. In most cases, seizures did not occur in the absence of HFOs, even when the spikes remained.

CONCLUSIONS

HFOs are related to the seizure activity period in patients with PS.

SIGNIFICANCE

We propose that HFOs are a biomarker of epileptogenicity and an indicator for drug reduction because seizures did not occur if HFOs disappeared even if the spikes remained.

A Case Report of a 5-Year-Old Girl with Self-Limited Epilepsy with Autonomic Seizures

BACKGROUND

Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS), formerly known as Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS), is a common multifocal autonomic childhood epileptic syndrome. SeLEAS affects 6% of children in between the ages of 1 and 15 years who have had one or more afebrile seizures in their lifetime.

CASE

A 5-year-old girl was admitted to the paediatric emergency room (ER) of our hospital due to a reported episode of vomiting during her sleep, followed by central cyanosis perorally of sort duration (<5'), a right turn of her head, and gaze fixation with right eye deviation. She was dismissed after a one-day hospitalization free of symptoms. A month later, the patient was admitted to the paediatric ER of a tertiary health unit due to a similar episode. The patient underwent EEG, which revealed pathologic paroxysmal abnormalities of high-amplitude sharp waves and spike-wave complexes in temporal-occipital areas of the left hemisphere, followed by enhancement of focal abnormalities in temporal-occipital areas of the left hemisphere during sleep. The patient was diagnosed with SeLEAS and started levetiracetam.

CONCLUSIONS

SeLEAS can be easily misdiagnosed as many physicians may not be very familiar with this disease, and, on the other hand, the autonomic manifestations can be easily disregarded as seizures. The physician must always be alert and search beneath the symptoms to find the cause rather than only treat them.

Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures: A case report

Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, formerly known as benign occipital epilepsy of childhood or Panayiotopoulos syndrome is a focal epilepsy that is part of the epileptic syndromes with onset during childhood. The objective of this report is to raise awareness about its importance and describe the clinical manifestations, timely diagnosis, and treatment. A pediatric patient admitted with gastrointestinal manifestations is presented. The autonomic manifestations must be considered as part of the clinical spectrum that includes this disease and the digestive and autonomic manifestations that mask the diagnosis, sometimes even in the absence of motor seizures themselves. Electroencephalographic confirmation was performed, avoiding cataloging it in other differential diagnoses.

Differentiating early clinical features of Panayiotopoulos syndrome from acute encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) is a common benign epilepsy in childhood, characterized by predominantly autonomic symptoms such as emesis, pallor, and seizures, which are often prolonged. In an emergency room (ER), particularly when unconsciousness is prolonged, differentiating PS from acute encephalopathy is challenging. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the differences in clinical features of patients with PS and acute encephalopathy who visited our ER.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients who were transferred to our ER because of status epilepticus later diagnosed as PS, and 30 patients with acute encephalopathy, between July 2012 and July 2017. We compared patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment.

RESULTS

Most patients (90%) with acute encephalopathy had convulsive seizures of greater than or equal to 15 min, whereas only three patients (17%) with PS had convulsive seizures of greater than or equal to 15 min (P < 0.001). In addition, seizures were treatable in all patients with PS with a small dose of midazolam (0.1 mg/kg), but all patients with acute encephalopathy required midazolam at 0.3 mg/kg or more (P < 0.001). More patients with PS had autonomic symptoms compared to those with acute encephalopathy (e.g., vomiting [78% vs. 3%, P < 0.001]). Non-convulsive status epilepticus was observed in 22% of PS patients, but not in any acute encephalopathy patients. In contrast, fever was observed in all patients with acute encephalopathy (100%), but less frequently in those with PS (11%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PS was characterized by 1) convulsive seizures shorter than 15 min, 2) seizures treatable with small doses of midazolam, and 3) autonomic symptoms. PS could be differentiated from acute encephalopathy in the early stages of the syndrome.

Gastrointestinal and Autonomic Symptoms—How to Improve the Diagnostic Process in Panayiotopoulos Syndrome?

One of the most common epileptic disorders in the pediatric population is Panayiotopoulos syndrome. Clinical manifestations of this idiopathic illness include predominantly autonomic symptoms and dysfunction of the cardiorespiratory system. Another feature constitutes prolonged seizures that usually occur at sleep. It is crucial to differentiate the aforementioned disease from other forms of epilepsy, especially occipital and structural epilepsy and non-epileptic disorders. The diagnostic process is based on medical history, clinical examination, neuroimaging and electroencephalography—though results of the latter may be unspecific. Patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) do not usually require treatment, as the course of the disease is, in most cases, mild, and the prognosis is good. The purpose of this review is to underline the role of central autonomic network dysfunction in the development of Panayiotopoulos syndrome, as well as the possibility of using functional imaging techniques, especially functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in the diagnostic process. These methods could be crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of PS. More data arerequired to create algorithms that will be able to predict the exposure to various complications of PS. It also concerns the importance of electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to distinguish Panayiotopoulos syndrome from other childhood epileptic syndromes and non-epileptic disorders.

Panayiotopoulos syndrome: Unusual clinical manifestations

PURPOSE

We retrospectively analyzed the electroclinical features, treatment, and outcome of patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) who presented with unusual clinical manifestations.

METHOD

A retrospective, descriptive, multicenter study was conducted evaluating 44 patients with PS who had seizures with an unusual semiology. Data from patients with PS seen at eight Argentine centers between April 2000 and April 2019 were collected.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (29.2%) had ictal syncope or syncope-like epileptic seizures. Three children (7.3%) had recurrent episodes of vomiting. Four patients (9.7%) presented with urinary incontinence associated with autonomic signs and consciousness impairment. One child had hiccups with autonomic manifestations followed by eye deviation. One boy had episodes of laughter with autonomic symptoms followed by loss of consciousness. Six patients (14.6%) had hyperthermia without acute febrile illness with autonomic symptoms as the first manifestation. Six others (14.6%) had focal motor seizures characterized by eye and head deviation in four and eyelid blinking in two. Four patients (9.7%) had ictal headache as the initial manifestation followed by nausea and vomiting. Two children (4.8%) had their first seizure while asleep associated with cardiorespiratory arrest. Two children (4.8%) had oral automatisms, such as sucking and chewing. In two children (4.8%) coughing was the initial manifestation followed by emetic symptoms. One patient (2.3%) had vertigo with a sensation of fear, with eye deviation and unresponsiveness. One child started with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep, behavior disturbances, and emetic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

In this study, evidence of the existence of unusual clinical cases of PS with typical EEG patterns was found. Outcome was excellent.

Epilepsy: Epileptic Syndromes and Treatment

Epilepsy can now be diagnosed even in the presence of one unprovoked seizure or if the diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome can be made. Epilepsy syndromes represent a specific set of seizure types and electroencephalographic and imaging features that tend to have age-dependent features, triggers, and prognosis. Epilepsy syndromes are the third and final level of epilepsy diagnosis, after classification of seizure and epilepsy types. Some epilepsy syndromes are self-limiting and pharmacoresponsive and others are pharmacoresistant and associated with poor developmental outcomes (epileptic and developmental encephalopathy). Features and management of 7 common age-dependent pediatric epilepsy syndromes are described.

Recognition of interictal and ictal discharges on EEG. Focal vs generalized epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

The differentiation between focal and generalized epilepsies based on clinical and electroencephalographic features is difficult and sometimes confusing.

OBJECTIVE

To review the EEG findings in patients with focal epilepsy.

METHODS

An extensive literature review was done. We used the following Pubmed and Medline descriptors alone and in different combinations for database searching: focal, partial, epilepsy, electroencephalographic findings, and EEG. Additional filters included review, original articles, and language limited to Spanish and English. Using the above criteria, a total of 69 articles showed the interictal and ictal EEG findings in focal epilepsy.

DEVELOPMENT

Focal epileptiform discharges and persistence of focal abnormalities, characterize the interictal EEG findings in focal epilepsies. To distinguish SBS from primary generalized spike waves are required to note: (a) a lead-in time of at least 2 s, (b) the morphology of the focal triggering spikes clearly differ from that of the bisynchronous epileptiform paroxysms, and (c) the morphology of triggering spikes resemble that of other focal spikes from the same region. Focal and Generalized Epilepsy can coexist. Delayed Lateralization on EEG with inconclusive onset and bizarre semiology confusing semiology should not be confused with generalized onset seizures with focal evolution.

CONCLUSIONS

A close attention to localization and morphology of epileptiform discharges, the correct interpretation of secondary bilateral synchrony, and provocative maneuvers help to correctly identify the EEG findings leading to diagnose focal epilepsies. The presence of generalized epileptiform activity does not rule out the existence of a focal epilepsy.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is an underdiagnosed episodic syndrome characterized by frequent hospitalizations, multiple comorbidities, and poor quality of life. It is often misdiagnosed due to the unappreciated pattern of recurrence and lack of confirmatory testing. CVS mainly occurs in pre-school or early school-age, but infants and elderly onset have been also described. The etiopathogenesis is largely unknown, but it is likely to be multifactorial. Recent evidence suggests that aberrant brain-gut pathways, mitochondrial enzymopathies, gastrointestinal motility disorders, calcium channel abnormalities, and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to a triggering environmental stimulus are involved. CVS is characterized by acute, stereotyped and recurrent episodes of intense nausea and incoercible vomiting with predictable periodicity and return to baseline health between episodes. A distinction with other differential diagnoses is a challenge for clinicians. Although extensive and invasive investigations should be avoided, baseline testing toward identifying organic causes is recommended in all children with CVS. The management of CVS requires an individually tailored therapy. Management of acute phase is mainly based on supportive and symptomatic care. Early intervention with abortive agents during the brief prodromal phase can be used to attempt to terminate the attack. During the interictal period, non-pharmacologic measures as lifestyle changes and the use of reassurance and anticipatory guidance seem to be effective as a preventive treatment. The indication for prophylactic pharmacotherapy depends on attack intensity and severity, the impairment of the QoL and if attack treatments are ineffective or cause side effects. When children remain refractory to acute or prophylactic treatment, or the episode differs from previous ones, the clinician should consider the possibility of an underlying disease and further mono- or combination therapy and psychotherapy can be guided by accompanying comorbidities and specific sub-phenotype. This review was developed by a joint task force of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP) to identify relevant current issues and to propose future research directions on pediatric CVS.

Screening for functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aimed to examine the frequency of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) among pediatric patients with epilepsy and the association of FGIDs with epilepsy characteristics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with epilepsy aged between 4 and 18 years old were enrolled. Age- and sex-matched healthy children were taken as the control group. Children with cerebral palsy, history of abdominal surgery, gastrointestinal disorders, medication affecting gastrointestinal system motility, recent gastrointestinal infection, and those on the ketogenic diet were excluded from the study. Rome IV symptom-based criteria were used to screen FGIDs. Frequencies of FGIDs were compared between patients with epilepsy and controls. Additionally, epilepsy type, seizure frequency, and antiepileptic drug (AED) requirements were also compared between patients with and without FGIDs.

RESULTS

During the study period, 78 children [41 girls, age between 4 and 17 years, mean ± standard deviation (SD): 11.5 ± 4.3 years] with epilepsy were included in the study. The mean age at epilepsy onset was 7.8 ± 3.7 years, and mean disease duration was 5.1 ± 3.9 years. The most common epilepsy type was focal (74.3%), followed by generalized (25.7%). There was at least one of the FGIDs in 26 children in the patient group and 15 children in the control group (33.3% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.001). The most common FGID in the patient group was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which was significantly higher than the control group. While aerophagia and rumination syndrome were not seen in either group, cyclic vomiting syndrome was seen only in the patient group. When the patients with and without FGIDs were compared, there was no difference between the groups in terms of epilepsy type, frequency of seizure, type, and the number of drugs used.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that children with epilepsy have a higher prevalence of FGIDs when compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Our results suggest that children with epilepsy, especially complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms, should be screened for FGIDs.

Neurocognitive and behavioural profile in Panayiotopoulos syndrome

AIM

To determine neurocognitive performance and behavioural problems in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.

METHOD

All 18 children (10 females, 8 males; mean age 4y 7mo; SD 1y 10mo) diagnosed with Panayiotopoulos syndrome at the Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2017 were analysed retrospectively. All underwent a neuropsychological/behavioural assessment, an academic assessment, and a 24-hour electroencephalogram.

RESULTS

Mean full-scale IQ (93.5; range 76-123; p=0.04) and performance IQ (93.2; range 76-126; p=0.04) were within the normal range, although significantly lower compared to the normative mean. Verbal IQ (96.3; range 76-118) and processing speed (96.1; range 74-114) were not significantly lower. Simple auditory/visual reaction times, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory were significantly lower compared to normative values. On average, patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome were 8 months behind in arithmetic speed and 11 months behind in reading speed for the number of months in school. Behavioural questionnaires revealed significantly higher scores on reported internalizing behavioural problems.

INTERPRETATION

Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome demonstrated diffuse cognitive dysfunction in full-scale IQ, performance IQ, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory. A high incidence of internalizing behavioural problems was reported. This strongly suggests neuropsychological and behavioural comorbidity in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome are at risk for cognitive deficits in various cognitive domains. Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome are also prone to internalizing behavioural problems. Mild-to-severe academic underachievement was present in more than half of the children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.

Misdiagnosis and pitfalls in Panayiotopoulos syndrome

Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) is a frequent (6% among children of 1-15 years) and benign epileptic syndrome, characterized by predominantly autonomic symptoms (emesis, pallor, flushing, cyanosis, mydriasis/miosis, cardiorespiratory and thermoregulatory alterations, incontinence of urine and/or feces, hypersalivation, and modifications of intestinal motility) associated with simple motor focal seizures, which can be followed by secondary generalization. Panayiotopoulos syndrome can be extremely insidious, because it can mimic several condition, such as gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, encephalitis, syncope, migraine, sleep disorders, or even metabolic diseases. This peculiar pleiotropism should be kept in mind by child neurologists and pediatricians and general practitioners, because a wrong diagnosis may lead to inappropriate interventions. The consequences are high morbidity, costly mismanagement, and stress for children and their parents. The availability of electroencephalography (EEG) recording in pediatric Emergency Departments might be useful for a prompt and not-cost-consuming diagnosis. On the other hand, it is important to be aware of the possible, multifaceted, clinical presentations of PS and its clinical, radiological, and neurophysiological features in order to improve both recognition and management.

Neuroendocrine aspects of improving sleep in epilepsy

Sleep plays an intricate role in epilepsy and can affect the frequency and occurrence of seizures. With nearly 35% of U.S. adults failing to obtain the recommended 7 h of sleep every night, understanding the complex relationship between sleep and epilepsy is of utmost relevance. Sleep deprivation is a common trigger of seizures in many persons with epilepsy and sleep patterns play a role in the occurrence of seizures. Some patients have their first seizure or repeated seizures after an "all-nighter" at college or after a long period of chronic sleep deprivation. The strength of the relationship between sleep and seizures varies between patients, but improving sleep and optimizing seizure control can have significant positive effects on the quality of life for all these patients. Research has shown that the changes in the brain's electrical and hormonal activity occurring during normal sleep-wake cycles can be linked to both sleep and seizure patterns. Many questions remain to be answered about sleep and epilepsy. How can sleep deprivation trigger an epileptic seizure? How do circadian and hormonal changes influence sleep pattern and seizure occurrence? Can hormones or sleeping pills help with sleep in epilepsy? In this article we discuss these and many other questions on sleep in epilepsy, with an emphasis on sleep architecture, hormone changes, mechanistic factors, and possible prevention strategies.

Comorbidity of Migraine and Epilepsy in Pediatrics: A Review

Migraine and epilepsy are classified as chronic paroxysmal neurologic disorders sharing many clinical features, as well as possible treatment options. This review highlights the similarities between migraine and epilepsy in pediatrics, focusing on epidemiologic, pathophysiological, genetic, clinical, and pharmacologic aspects. Despite the fact that several syndromes share symptoms of both migraine and epilepsy, further research is needed to clarify the pathophysiological and genetic basis of their comorbidity. Drugs used for prophylactic therapy of migraine and epilepsy have similar pharmacologic properties. The role of epileptic pharmacotherapy in the prophylaxis of migraine is assessed, including the use of conventional antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers, and nonpharmacologic methods such as dietary therapy, supplements, and vagal nerve stimulation. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials assessing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for the treatment of both disorders are essential, in order to initiate new therapeutic approaches.

Pediatric epilepsies misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal disorders

In the last years, several cases of pediatric epilepsies misdiagnosed and treated as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate both frequency and characteristics of these erroneous diagnoses. We identified children who had received a previous misdiagnosis of GI disorder out of 858 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy at our hospital from 2010 to 2015. Misdiagnosis was observed in 21 patients (2.4%): 7 children with West syndrome, 10 with temporal lobe epilepsy, and 4 with Panayiotopoulos syndrome. The majority of children with a misdiagnosis (12/21) were younger than 1year at epilepsy onset, and median diagnostic delay was 15.5months. The most frequently diagnosed GI disorder was gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially in younger children. The study confirms that epilepsy in a significant percentage of children is wrongly identified and treated as GI disorders. In particular, epilepsy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of "atypical" gastroesophageal reflux in younger children in order to avoid serious prognostic consequences.

Panayiotopoulos syndrome and benign partial epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes: A comparative incidence study

PURPOSE

To compare the de novo incidence of Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS, early-onset childhood occipital epilepsy) and a common epilepsy syndrome, benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECTS), in children and young people.

METHODS

The incidence of PS and BECTS was recorded over 16 months in a population of children and young people (aged <16 years) living within a specific geographic area and epilepsy network within the North West of England and North Wales and the catchment area of the tertiary paediatric epilepsy centre. Monthly data collection proformas were circulated to the paediatricians and paediatric neurologists responsible for the evaluation of epilepsy in children within this area. This also included monthly reminders of the electro-clinical criteria for these syndromes. EEGs were undertaken in the neurophysiology department of the tertiary paediatric epilepsy centre. The departmental EEG database on all <16 year olds that underwent an EEG during the study period was examined to identify additional patients that may not have been reported via a proforma-reporting system.

RESULTS

The incidence of PS and BECTS was found to be 0.8 and 6.1 per 100,000 <16 year olds, respectively. The ages at seizure onset and diagnosis were similar for BECTS and PS.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to determine a comparative incidence of PS and BECTS. The findings suggest BECTS is eight times more common than PS and that the incidence of PS is lower than previously suggested.

Pediatric Headache and Seizures

Headache and seizures are two of the most common complaints seen in the field of pediatric neurology with headache being number one. Both these conditions may coexist. Where the difficulty begins is when the symptoms are not clear cut in making a diagnosis, and conditions are possible as either an atypical seizure or migraine variant. What further complicates matters is the fact that there are many underlying neurologic conditions that carry with them a higher likelihood of developing both headaches and seizures, making each a distinct possibility when obtaining a history from a parent about unusual spells. Although differentiating between seizure and headache may not be easy, with a focused yet thorough history and appropriate use of investigative tools, it can be done. Coming to the correct diagnosis is only the start; once seizures and or headaches have been appropriately diagnosed then the real challenge begins and that is finding a way to successfully treat the headaches and seizures. Within pediatric neurology, the acute options tend to be more diagnosis specific whereas the prophylactic ones may overlap and treat both headaches and seizures. In the following review, we will discuss the epidemiology of pediatric headaches and seizures, the overlap between these 2 conditions in diagnosis, as well as how to tell them apart, and the treatment options and prognosis of both common neurologic disorders in children.

Novel clinical features of nonconvulsive status epilepticus

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) has rapidly expanded from classical features such as staring, repetitive blinking, chewing, swallowing, and automatism to include coma, prolonged apnea, cardiac arrest, dementia, and higher brain dysfunction, which were demonstrated mainly after the 2000s by us and other groups. This review details novel clinical features of NCSE as a manifestation of epilepsy, but one that is underdiagnosed, with the best available evidence. Also, we describe the new concept of epilepsy-related organ dysfunction (Epi-ROD) and a novel electrode and headset which enables prompt electroencephalography.

Headache and Epilepsy

Headache, especially migraine, has long been associated with epilepsy, based on the common clinical features of these disorders. Both migraine and epilepsy have a genetic predisposition and share common pathophysiological mechanisms including an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory factors that result in spells of altered brain function and autonomic symptoms. There are well-documented reports on the headache as a sole manifestation of epileptic seizure and headache is commonly associated with as preictal, ictal, and postictal symptoms in epilepsy patients. In addition, migraine and epilepsy are frequently described as highly comorbid conditions and several antiepileptic drugs are used for the patients with migraine as well as epilepsy. In the present review, we briefly discuss the connection between headache and epilepsy in various aspects, including classification, clinical features, epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology, and treatment.

Occipito-Frontal Sharp Waves-An Under-Recognized Electroencephalogram Pattern in Self-Limited Idiopathic Childhood Focal Epilepsy

We report four children who highlight the potentially under-recognized electroencephalogram pattern of bilaterally synchronous occipito-frontal sharp waves, which may occur in children with Panayiotopoulos type self-limited childhood epilepsy but may be easily confused with the patterns of symptomatic generalized epilepsy. Our patients were young, healthy children who had infrequent, predominantly nocturnal, fairly prolonged seizures characterized by altered consciousness, vomiting, and autonomic features, or in one case nocturnal secondary generalized tonic-clonic convulsion. Their electroencephalograms showed stereotyped abundant sleep-activated sharp waves with maximum negativity in bilateral occipital and frontal greater than centro-temporo-parietal regions. On a "double-banana" bipolar montage, the sharp waves had upward deflections in frontal electrodes, downward deflections at occipital electrodes, and a positive phase reversal in the middle of each chain. The lower-amplitude occipital discharges slightly preceded the frontal discharges, consistent with posterior-to-anterior propagation likely originating from mesial occipital regions. In the proper clinical context, recognizing the electroencephalogram pattern of bilateral occipito-frontal sharp waves affords confidence in a favorable prognosis, presents the option to possibly defer daily treatment with antiepileptic medication, and shifts the emphasis to rescue medication for isolated seizures.

Seizures in Children With Cerebral Palsy and White Matter Injury

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence, syndromes, and evolution of seizure disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP) due to white matter injury (WMI).

METHODS

For this population-based cohort study, brain MRI scans and medical records were reviewed in children in the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register born between 1999 and 2006 recorded as having WMI. Children were excluded if they had features of an undiagnosed syndrome, associated cortical malformation or injury, or no medical contact in the preceding year. Included were 166 children with CP and isolated WMI due to presumed vascular insufficiency or hemorrhage; 87 were born preterm. Seizure and CP details were obtained from medical records and interviews, and EEG recordings were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-one children (25%) had seizures beyond the neonatal period. Four children had West syndrome, which resolved with treatment. Thirteen children had febrile seizures that they outgrew. Thirty children had focal epilepsy with seizure manifestations and EEG discharges typical of early-onset childhood occipital epilepsy or childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes; 23 have outgrown these seizures. Two children had idiopathic generalized epilepsy; it was ongoing in 1 child. Fourteen children had evolution from 1 epileptic syndrome to another. At last follow-up (median age, 12.7 years; minimum age, 9.7 years), 80% had not had a seizure for >2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The electroclinical features of seizure disorders associated with CP and WMI are those of the age-limited, epileptic syndromes of childhood, with favorable outcome in the majority. The findings have important implications for counseling and drug treatment.

Panayiotopoulos Syndrome with a special emphasis of ictal semiologic features

PURPOSE

The aim was to identify the demographic, electroencephalographic findings, clinical features, especially ictal semiological symptoms of patients diagnosed with Panayiotopoulos Syndrome.

METHOD

The semiologic and EEG findings of 42 patients were reviewed. Statistical analysis was used to determine the frequencies of semiologic features and to define the symptom clusters.

RESULTS

The most common clinical features were nausea (54.8%), vomiting (50.0%), pallor (50.0%), deviation of head and eyes (45.2%), generalized seizures (35.7%), ictal syncope (33.3%) and stomach ache (26.2%). Visual manifestations which were observed in 38.9% of the patients were amaurosis, flashes of colourful lights, flashes of brightful lights, visual hallucinations and blurring of vision. Autonomic status epilepticus was observed in 21.4% of the patients. Cluster analysis of 13 most common symptoms showed a tendency toward 3 clusters. Pallor constituted a subgroup on its own whereas nausea, vomiting, deviation of head and eyes tended to occur together in the second subgroup and the third subgroup included semiologic features some of which were atypical for PS.

CONCLUSIONS

A broad spectrum of typical and atypical clinical features might be observed in patients with PS. Some of the semiologic features of PS might have tendency to occur together. Overlapping of typical autonomic features with some of the atypical features might suggest that PS, RE and ICOE-G were the constituents of the same neurobiological spectrum. Our detailed data might contribute to the awareness of a wide range of variabilites in the electroclinical features of PS.

Panayiotopoulos syndrome in a child masquerading as septic shock

Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) is a benign childhood epilepsy with predominant autonomic symptoms. The syndrome can have varied presentations resulting in diagnostic dilemma. We herein describe a 3-year-old boy with PS, who had manifestations similar to septic shock. His investigations were normal and had a complete recovery. Through this case, we wish to highlight the unusual presentation of PS as septic shock. Physicians should be aware of the different ways in which this syndrome can present to ensure its early diagnosis and treatment.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome versus inborn errors of metabolism: A review with clinical recommendations

BACKGROUND

Inborn errors of metabolism are on the differential for patients presenting with a cyclic vomiting syndrome phenotype. Classes of disorders to consider include: mitochondrial disorders, fatty acid oxidation disorders, urea cycle defects, organic acidurias, and acute intermittent porphyria.

AIM

This article reviews the metabolic differential diagnosis and approach to screening for inborn errors in children and adults presenting with a cyclic or recurrent vomiting phenotype.

CONCLUSION

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is thought to be an episodic syndrome that may be associated with migraine. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. Inborn errors of metabolism should be considered in the patient presenting with a recurrent vomiting phenotype. Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in cyclic vomiting syndrome, and true mitochondrial disorders can present with a true cyclic vomiting phenotype.

Neuropsychological findings associated with Panayiotopoulos syndrome in three children

Panayiotopoulos syndrome is a common idiopathic benign epilepsy that has a peak age of onset in early childhood. The syndrome is multifocal and shows significant electroencephalogram (EEG) variability, with occipital predominance. Although a benign syndrome often refers to the absence of neurological and neuropsychological deficits, the syndrome has recently been associated with cognitive impairments. Also, despite frequent occipital EEG abnormalities, research regarding the visual functioning of patients is less reported and often contradictory. The purpose of this study was to gain additional knowledge regarding the neurocognitive functioning of patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome and specifically to address any visual processing deficits associated with the syndrome. Following diagnosis of the syndrome based on typical clinical and electrophysiological criteria, three patients, aged 5, 8, and 10years were referred by epileptologists for neuropsychological evaluation. Neuropsychological findings suggest that the patients had notable impairments on visual memory tasks, especially in comparison with verbal memory. Further, they demonstrated increased difficulty on picture memory suggesting difficulty retaining information from a crowded visual field. Two of the three patients showed weakness in visual processing speed, which may account for weaker retention of complex visual stimuli. Abilities involving attention were normal for all patients, suggesting that inattention is not responsible for these visual deficits. Academically, the patients were weak in numerical operations and spelling, which both rely partially on visual memory and may affect achievement in these areas. Overall, the results suggest that patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome may have visual processing and visual memory problems that could potentially affect their academic capabilities. Identifying such difficulties may be helpful in creating educational and remedial assistance programs for children with this syndrome, as well as developing appropriate presentation of information to these children in school.

Genetic variants associated with motion sickness point to roles for inner ear development, neurological processes and glucose homeostasis

Roughly one in three individuals is highly susceptible to motion sickness and yet the underlying causes of this condition are not well understood. Despite high heritability, no associated genetic factors have been discovered. Here, we conducted the first genome-wide association study on motion sickness in 80 494 individuals from the 23andMe database who were surveyed about car sickness. Thirty-five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with motion sickness at a genome-wide-significant level (P < 5 × 10(-8)). Many of these SNPs are near genes involved in balance, and eye, ear and cranial development (e.g. PVRL3, TSHZ1, MUTED, HOXB3, HOXD3). Other SNPs may affect motion sickness through nearby genes with roles in the nervous system, glucose homeostasis or hypoxia. We show that several of these SNPs display sex-specific effects, with up to three times stronger effects in women. We searched for comorbid phenotypes with motion sickness, confirming associations with known comorbidities including migraines, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), vertigo and morning sickness and observing new associations with altitude sickness and many gastrointestinal conditions. We also show that two of these related phenotypes (PONV and migraines) share underlying genetic factors with motion sickness. These results point to the importance of the nervous system in motion sickness and suggest a role for glucose levels in motion-induced nausea and vomiting, a finding that may provide insight into other nausea-related phenotypes like PONV. They also highlight personal characteristics (e.g. being a poor sleeper) that correlate with motion sickness, findings that could help identify risk factors or treatments.

Panayiotopoulos syndrome presenting with respiratory arrest: A case report and literature review

We describe a child with Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) who presented with autonomic status epilepticus and developed respiratory arrest requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Because of that life-threatening episode and the risk of developing a similar event in subsequent seizures, we decided to initiate our patient on AED treatment. Such life-threatening complications were previously reported in only four children with PS. Although PS is considered to be a benign childhood epilepsy syndrome usually not requiring treatment with antiepileptic drugs, our case and the small number of similar cases in the literature show it is important to realize that it can rarely be associated with life-threatening complications. It is our opinion that children with PS who develop an episode of autonomic status epilepticus and those living in remote areas with no quick access to emergency departments should be initiated on AED therapy to minimize the risk of experiencing a subsequent potentially fatal seizure. We further suggest that the use of benzodiazepines in this syndrome should only be administered during the early stage of the seizure, since administration of this class of drugs during an established autonomic status epilepticus can result in further respiratory depression.

Inflammation and epilepsy in the developing brain: clinical and experimental evidence

There is an increasing evidence to support a role of inflammatory processes in epilepsy. However, most clinical and experimental studies have been conducted in adult patients or using adult rodents. The pediatric epilepsies constitute a varied group of diseases that are most frequently age specific. In this review, we will focus on the possible role of inflammation in pediatric epilepsy syndromes. We will first describe the clinical data available and provide an overview of our current understanding of the role of inflammation in these clinical situations. We will then review experimental data regarding the role of inflammation in epilepsy in the developing brain. To summarize, inflammation contributes to seizure precipitation, and reciprocally, prolonged seizures induce inflammation. There is also a relationship between inflammation and cell injury following status epilepticus, which differs according to the developmental stage. Finally, inflammation seems to contribute to epileptogenesis even in the developing brain. Based on the available data, we highlight the need for further studies dissecting the exact role of inflammation in epilepsy during development.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease vs. Panayiotopoulos syndrome: an underestimated misdiagnosis in pediatric age?

Autonomic signs and symptoms could be of epileptic or nonepileptic origin, and the differential diagnosis depends on a number of factors which include the nature of the autonomic manifestations themselves, the occurrence of other nonictal autonomic signs/symptoms, and the age of the patient. Here, we describe twelve children (aged from ten months to six years at the onset of the symptoms) with Panayiotopoulos syndrome misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Panayiotopoulos syndrome may represent an underestimated diagnostic challenge. When the signs/symptoms occur mainly during sleep, a sleep EEG or, if available, a polysomnographic evaluation may be the most useful investigation to make a differential diagnosis between autonomic epileptic and nonepileptic disorders. An early detection can reduce both the high morbidity related to mismanagement and the high costs to the national health service related to the incorrect diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. To decide if antiseizure therapy is required, one should take into account both the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures and the tendency to have potentially lethal autonomic cardiorespiratory involvement. In conclusion, we would emphasize the need to make a differential diagnosis between gastroesophageal reflux disease and Panayiotopoulos syndrome in patients with "an unusual" late-onset picture of GERD and acid therapy-resistant gastroesophageal reflux, especially if associated with other autonomic symptoms and signs.

Headache with focal neurologic signs in children at the emergency department

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of secondary headache in children consulting at the pediatric emergency department (ED) for headache with a focal neurologic deficit.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled children aged 6-18 years presenting to the ED of a tertiary care hospital with moderate to severe headache and focal neurologic deficit. Enrollment took place between March 2009 and February 2012. Children with a history of trauma, fever, or neurosurgical intervention were excluded from the study. The final diagnosis was made after 1 year of follow-up. Our primary aim was to identify any differences in the frequency of clinical signs between children with a final diagnosis of primary headache and those with a final diagnosis of secondary headache.

RESULTS

Of the 101 patients included in the study, 66% received a final diagnosis of primary headache (94% migraine with aura), and 34% received a final diagnosis of secondary headache (76.5% focal epilepsy). On multivariate analysis, children with bilateral localization of pain had a higher likelihood (aOR, 8.6; 95% CI, 3.2-23.2; P<.001) of having secondary headache.

CONCLUSION

Among children presenting to the ED with focal neurologic deficits, a bilateral headache location was associated with higher odds of having a secondary cause of headache. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether our data can aid management in the ED setting.

Panayiotopoulos syndrome: a case series from Turkey

The aim of the study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and EEG characteristics of patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) and the course of their illness. Thirty-eight patients followed up with a diagnosis of PS between January 2011 and December 2013 were evaluated. We found high rates of personal history of febrile convulsions, breath-holding spells, and family history of febrile convulsions, afebrile convulsion/epilepsy, migraine, and breath-holding spells. Seizures started before the age of eight in 87% of the patients, and the mean age at seizure onset was 4.6 years. Seizures were sleep-related in 81.5%, and autonomic status was seen in a third of the patients. The number of seizures was between 2 and 10 in 66% of the patients. The most common symptoms were ictus emeticus, eye/head deviation, and altered consciousness. Rolandic features were seen in 26% of the patients, and visual symptoms in 5%. Multifocal epileptiform discharges on EEG were identified in 84% of the patients. Two or more antiepileptic drugs were required in only 13% of the patients. Evolution to electrical status epilepticus in sleep and Gastaut-type epilepsy were seen in patients with more than ten seizures. The high rates of febrile convulsions, afebrile convulsions/epilepsy, migraine, and breath-holding spells in the patients and families suggest the importance of genetic factors and, perhaps, a common pathogenesis. However, the high rates of febrile convulsions and breath-holding spells in patients can be related to a misdiagnosis because of the similar symptoms. Despite its disturbing symptoms, PS is a benign epileptic syndrome requiring multiple antiepileptic drug use only in a small proportion of patients.

Usefulness of video-EEG in the paediatric emergency department

Over the past two decades the EEG has technically improved from the use of analog to digital machines and more recently to video-EEG systems. Despite these advances, recording a technically acceptable EEG in an electrically hostile environment such as the emergency department (ED) remains a challenge, particularly with infants or young children. In 1996, a meeting of French experts established a set of guidelines for performing an EEG in the ED based on a review of the available literature. The authors highlighted the most suitable indications for an emergency EEG including clinical suspicion of cerebral death, convulsive and myoclonic status epilepticus, focal or generalized relapsing convulsive seizures as well as follow-up of known convulsive patients. They further recommended emergency EEG in the presence of doubt regarding the epileptic nature of the presentation as well as during the initiation or modification of sedation following brain injury. Subsequently, proposals for expanding the use of EEG in emergency patients have been advocated including trauma, vascular and anoxic-ischemic injury due to cardiorespiratory arrest, postinfective encephalopathy and nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The aim of this review is to show the diagnostic importance of video-EEG, as well as highlighting the predictive prognostic factors for positive and negative outcomes, when utilized in the pediatric ED for seizures as well as other neurological presentations.

Benign occipital lobe seizures: Natural progression and atypical evolution

Benign occipital seizure syndromes are benign childhood epilepsy syndromes and are mainly of two types, Panayiotopoulos syndrome, an autonomic epilepsy and idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsy of Gastaut (ICOE-G) including the idiopathic photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy. Although both these types are categorized as occipital seizures, they are distinct in presentation and management. They can also be tricky to diagnose as visual symptoms may not always be the presenting feature and it is also not very easy to elicit visual hallucinations during history taking. These seizures have a good response to treatment; however, there could be atypical evolution and refractoriness to treatment especially with ICOE-G. We describe three children who presented with visual and non-visual symptoms and the electroencephalography (EEG) in all the three cases showed occipital paroxysms. We have emphasized the clues in the clinical history and EEG leading to the diagnosis of these distinct epilepsy syndromes. We have also discussed the natural course of these epilepsy syndromes with some atypical evolution, which clinicians need to be aware of during treatment of these children.

Approach to syncope and altered mental status

Children who present with an episode of altered mental status, whether transient or persistent, present a diagnostic challenge for practitioners. This article describes some of the more common causes of altered mental status and delineates a rational approach to these patients. This will help practitioners recognize the life-threatening causes of these frightening presentations as well as help avoid unnecessary testing for the more benign causes.

Pediatric focal epilepsy syndromes

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, early-onset childhood occipital epilepsy (Panayiotopoulos syndrome [PS]) and late-onset childhood occipital epilepsy (Gastaut type [LOCE-G]) are the principal pediatric focal epilepsy syndromes. They share major common characteristics: the appearance and resolution of electroclinical features are age related, there is a strong genetic predisposition, the clinical course is often mild with infrequent and easy to control seizures, interictal epileptiform activity is disproportionately abundant when compared with the clinical correlate, and tends to potentiate and generalize during sleep. In this review, we outline the relevant pathophysiology underlying this electroclinical spectrum. Then, the initial description of individual syndromes is followed by a summary of overlapping features and intermediate presentations that question the boundaries between these entities and provide the basis for the concept of a childhood seizure susceptibility syndrome. Additionally, we outline the main features of the related epileptic encephalopathies. An outlook on potential future lines of research completes this review.

Autonomic epileptic seizures, autonomic effects of seizures, and SUDEP

Many generalized tonic-clonic seizures are accompanied by profound autonomic changes. However, autonomic seizures and autonomic status epilepticus can also be seen with specific electroclinical syndromes (Panayiotopoulos syndrome), etiologies, and localizations. Such autonomic symptoms may impact cardiorespiratory function. While it is likely that several factors contribute to SUDEP, further study of both ictal respiratory and cardiac changes and underlying neuroanatomical mechanisms involved in autonomic seizure semiology are likely to provide important data to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of this devastating condition. This paper will review the association between autonomic symptoms and epileptic seizures and will highlight the work of three young investigators. Drs. Lisa Bateman and Brian Moseley will review their work on cardiorespiratory effects of recorded seizures and how this assists in our understanding of SUDEP. Dr. John Millichap will review autonomic seizures and autonomic dysfunctions related to childhood epilepsy and will discuss the importance of expanded research efforts in this field.

Electrical status epilepticus in sleep: clinical presentation and pathophysiology

Electrical status epilepticus in sleep involves an electroencephalographic pattern where interictal epileptiform activity is potentiated in the transition from wakefulness to sleep. Near-continuous spikes and waves that occupy a significant proportion of nonrapid eye movement sleep appear as a result of sleep-potentiated epileptiform activity. This electroencephalographic pattern appears in different electroclinical syndromes that present three common characteristics with different degrees of severity: seizures, sleep-potentiated epileptiform activity, and neuropsychologic regression. Continuous spikes and waves during sleep comprise the severest epileptic encephalopathy in the electroclinical spectrum. Landau-Kleffner syndrome presents with intermediate severity. Some "benign" pediatric focal epileptic syndromes represent the mildest end of this continuum. Based on published data, we provide a framework for clinical and electrical events. The underlying mechanisms leading to sleep potentiation of epileptiform activity in electrical status epilepticus in sleep are incompletely understood. A genetic basis or acquired early developmental insult may disrupt the normal maturation of neuronal networks. These factors may dynamically alter normal processes of brain development, leading to an age-related pattern of electroclinical expression of electrical status epilepticus in sleep.