An idiopathic focal epilepsy, evidence for genetic basis, Onset ages 2-12 yrs, peak 5-10 yrs.
Characteristic of the seizures:
- Infrequent simple partial seizures, usually last less than 2 minutes.
- Twitching, usually in the face, but it can include the arms and/or legs
- Numbness and tingling in the face or tongue. Drooling, problems speaking.
- If awake, full awareness during the seizure
- In early morning or before bedtime (can happen during sleep), Rarely generalized tonic–clonic seizure in sleep.
Characteristic EEG:
high voltage centrotemporal spikes, usually bilateral. MRI is normal.
Treatment:
Respond to many drugs, may not be necessary. Resolve by puberty.