title: Sequential EEG characteristics may predict seizure recurrence in rolandic epilepsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prognosis of rolandic epilepsy (RE) is considered favorable. Since a moderate proportion of cases presents with isolated seizures, continuous treatment should be considered only for frequent seizures. Clinical and electroencephalogram (EEG) markers to predict seizure recurrence need to be identified. The purpose of this study was to identify EEG criteria related to seizure recurrence in RE.
  
  
  METHODS
  There were 10 children (aged 3-10 years; 6 males, 4 females) in the recurrence group and 12 (aged 4-7 years; 6 males, 6 females) in the isolated group. Occurrences of the number of spikes were scored, and the presence of rolandic discharges (RD) in the awake record was evaluated. All patients were evaluated longitudinally, clinically and by EEG, with repeated EEG recordings every 3 months. Clinical and EEG follow-up was performed for ≥4 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seizure recurrence and extended periods of high-frequency paroxysmal EEG abnormalities (>6 months after onset) were significantly correlated (p<0.001). Moreover, the appearance of RD in awake recordings tended to be more prevalent in the recurrence group than in the isolated group (odds ratio 4.714).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In addition to RD in the awake record, a combination of spike rate and extended periods of high-frequency paroxysmal EEG abnormalities may predict seizure recurrence in RE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan. Electronic address: ykimu@yamanashi.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kanemura
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
authors.forename: Fumikazu
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sano
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
authors.forename: Tetsuo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohyama
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
authors.forename: Kanji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sugita
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
authors.forename: Masao
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aihara
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D019305:Epilepsy, Rolandic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Electroencephalogram (EEG); Isolated seizure; Rolandic discharge; Rolandic epilepsy; Seizure recurrence; Spike rate