J Korean Epilepsy Soc.  2005 Jun;9(1):53-58.

Quantitative EEG Analysis in Atypical Rolandic Epilepsies of Childhood

• Oh J
• Lee HW
• Cho H
• Choi KG
• Park KD
• Kim JY

Abstract

PURPOSE
Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECT) or benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) is not always benign in clinical or neuroimaging features. Recent studies have reported atypical forms of rolandic epilepsy with abnormal neurologic and/or neuroimaging findings, sometimes, also with poor seizure control. We investigated whether there are any differences in linear and nonlinear EEG analysis in typical and atypical rolandic epilepsies of childhood. METHODS: Ten patients with typical BRE group and seven patients with atypical BRE group were included in this study. We selected artifact-free 10-second epochs from 19 electrodes of 10-20 international EEG system from each patient. The power spectrum was calculated in delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency ranges. The fractal dimension was analyzed as a nonlinear EEG analysis. We analyzed both EEGs with interictal spikes and without focal slowing or epileptiform activities. RESULTS: The spectral EEG analysis showed a significant increase of absolute and relative power of delta with decrease of alpha bands in atypical BRE group compared to typical group. There was no statistical difference in fractal dimension between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Atypical BRE group showed enhanced delta and decreased alpha power, suggesting a cortical dysfunction in this group with poor clinical outcome.

Keyword

Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECT); Benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE); Linear/nonlinear EEG analysis; Fractal dimension

MeSH Terms

Electrodes
Electroencephalography*
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Rolandic*
Fractals
Humans
Neuroimaging
Seizures