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Seizures in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Evaluation of clinical, electroencephalographic, and neuroradiologic features in a pediatric case series
Author(s) -
Nicita Francesco,
Verrotti Alberto,
Pruna Dario,
Striano Pasquale,
Capovilla Giuseppe,
Savasta Salvatore,
Spartà Maria Valentina,
Parisi Pasquale,
Parlapiano Giovanni,
Tarani Luigi,
Spalice Alberto
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/epi.12638
Subject(s) - polymicrogyria , fetal alcohol , electroencephalography , epilepsy , status epilepticus , pediatrics , seizure types , medicine , neurology , atrophy , psychology , pregnancy , psychiatry , pathology , biology , genetics
Summary Seizures are observed with a frequency of 3–21% in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders ( FASD ). However, clinical, neuroradiologic, and electroencephalography ( EEG ) features are poorly described. In this study, 13 patients with FASD and epilepsy or seizures were identified retrospectively from the databases of seven Italian pediatric neurology divisions. Eleven children were affected by epilepsy, and two had at least one documented seizure. Both generalized and focal seizures were observed. EEG showed diffuse or focal epileptic activity; two children developed electric status epilepticus during sleep ( ESES ). Structural brain anomalies, including polymicrogyria, nodular heterotopia, atrophy, and Arnold‐Chiari type 1 malformation, were discovered in almost 50% of patients. Control of seizures was not difficult to obtain in 11 cases; one patient showed pharmacoresistant epilepsy. EEG and clinical follow‐up are recommended in children with FASD and epilepsy, since severe conditions requiring aggressive treatment, such as in ESES , may develop. Neuroradiological evaluation is warranted because several types of brain anomalies could be associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here .