Long-term outcome of pattern-sensitive epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with pattern-sensitive epilepsy.


METHODS
We prospectively studied 35 patients (21 females and 14 males) with pattern-sensitive epilepsy (follow up > or = 5 years; mean 13.9; range 6.4 - 27.6). All cases had regular clinical examinations and serial electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. Photosensitivity and pattern sensitivity were ascertained neurophysiologically in all cases. Outcome was evaluated according to the following variables: duration of photosensitivity, rate of remission (seizure-free period > or = 2 years), withdrawal of therapy, and recurrence after drug discontinuation.


RESULTS
The epilepsy was generalized in 18 cases (17 idiopathic, one symptomatic) and partial in 17 (13 idiopathic, four symptomatic). Sixteen patients (46%) had a family history of seizures. The mean age at the last examination was 21.4 years (range 11.2-35.5 years). Five patients (14%) had only reflex seizures. The most common type of spontaneous seizures was generalized (60%), whereas reflex seizures were more frequently partial (74%). Mean epilepsy duration was 8.7 +/- 6.3 years. Patients with only reflex seizures were instructed to avoid precipitating stimuli and were not treated with antiepileptic drugs. Treatment was gradually withdrawn in 10 out of 30 treated patients, with relapse in only two cases. At the end of follow up, 28 patients (80%) were seizure-free.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term outcome of patients with pattern-sensitive epilepsy indicates a good prognosis with a favorable course for both spontaneous and reflex seizures.
Brinciotti
Mario
M
Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy. mario.brinciotti@uniroma1.it
Matricardi
Maria
M
Cantonetti
Laura
L
Lauretti
Giada
G
Pugliatti
Maria
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants