The coexistence of idiopathic generalized epilepsy and partial epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical, EEG, and imaging data of a series of patients with features of both idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and partial epilepsy.


METHODS
A computerized database of all patients attending the regional epilepsy clinic was used to identify all patients with IGE. Case notes were reviewed, and cases with clinical evidence of co-existing partial epilepsy identified.


RESULTS
Nine cases with clinical features of a partial and generalized-onset epilepsy and with electrophysiological evidence of IGE are presented. This represented <1% of the overall IGE population in the clinic. Five (55.6%) patients are currently in remission, with successful epilepsy surgery in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The coexistence of IGE and partial epilepsy is uncommon, and if appropriate treatment with a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug is given, then the prognosis can be good. Surgery should be considered for those cases with medically intractable partial-onset seizures as part of this syndrome.
Nicolson
Andrew
A
Department of Neurology, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK. andrew@nicolson71.freeserve.co.uk
Chadwick
David W
DW
Smith
David F
DF
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis
D000927:Anticonvulsants