Rolandic epilepsy: an incidence study in Iceland.
OBJECTIVE
We wished to determine incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of benign rolandic seizures (BRS) and benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) in a total population.


METHODS
Cases were ascertained through review of all EEG records, and diagnosis was verified by review of medical records. Follow-up information regarding seizures and treatment was obtained from parents and treating physicians.


RESULTS
In the Icelandic population aged 3-15 years, the incidence of BRS is 6.2 and BRE 4.7 in 100,000. Five years after onset 95% were seizure-free. At last follow-up, all were seizure free and had not been treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for at least 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that BRS is a common entity in children. The prognosis is excellent and treatment is not necessary in all cases. It is important to identify BRE/BRS correctly and distinguish it from other types of epilepsy.
Department of Neurology, National University Hospital (Landspitalinn), Reykjavik, Iceland.
A
A
Astradsson
E
E
Olafsson
P
P
Ludvigsson
H
H
Björgvinsson
W A
WA
Hauser
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D019305:Epilepsy, Rolandic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors
D000927:Anticonvulsants