Partial complex seizures in children: an analysis of 69 seizures in 24 patients using EEG FM radiotelemetry and videotape recording.

The electroencephalographic and clinical manifestations of 69 partial complex seizures in 24 pediatric patients recorded during EEG-FM radiotelemetry and videotape monitoring were reviewed. The seizure could be divided into 3 electro-clinical types. Type I attacks were characterized by an initial motionless stare often followed by automatisms and associated with initial lateralized EEG changes. Type II attacks began with automatic behavior and had bilateral, diffuse changes on the EEG initially. Type II attacks began with a loss of body tone followed by automatisms and with bilateral EEG changes initially. This study demonstrates that both the clinical and electroencephalographic aspects of partial complex seizures in children are similar to those reported in adults. This similarity may be secondary to the early maturation of the limbic structures.