Benign Rolandic Epilepsy - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What Is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

Benign Rolandic Epilepsy is a rare form of epilepsy that occurs mainly in children. It usually presents with recurrent seizures, but the seizures are not accompanied by any abnormal mental status or motor impairment.

With the study of the disorder, it is believed that this condition begins to occur due to anatomical changes in the developing brain, which change how it communicates with itself and its neighbors.

The presentation is most often classified into three separate types: infantile spasms, myoclonic-atonic seizures, and neonatal seizures which are typically observed during infancy. All types of Rolandic Epilepsy are characterized by a benign course with minimal morbidity and can be managed with anticonvulsant therapy.

Invasive procedures such as surgery involve the use of a craniotomy to remove the epileptic focus, via an incision in the skull, as well as an open suction drain.

Abscesses can form or there can be multiple abscesses, but this typically goes away shortly after the surgery is complete. Especially heavy bleeding is not uncommon and can cause a hematoma.

Frequently Asked Questions On Benign Rolandic Epilepsy

What Is The Only Cure For Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

The treatment of benign rolandic epilepsy is with anticonvulsants and general therapy. When appropriate, patients should be started on therapy with a single drug. If seizures continue despite treatment and if there are no adverse effects from the drugs, then another drug can be added to the regimen.

This may happen quickly—within a month. It is important to remember that simply having seizures does not mean that they are severe or abnormal.

The seizure types in benign rolandic epilepsy are well-described and standard EEG findings can help guide therapy in these patients. Therefore, a seizure that does not begin or end with a clinically significant event is not a reason to increase the dose of the medications.

What Are The Causes Of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

The exact cause of benign rolandic epilepsy has not yet been determined. However, there are strongly suspected causes for this condition.

There are three theories regarding the cause of benign rolandic epilepsy: structural, functional, and developmental. The theory that has most recently gained attention is developmental with alteration in brain networks involved in certain types of seizures. Some studies suggest that this happens due to an excess number of excitatory neurons which leads to hyperexcitable conditions in some individuals.

How Is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy Diagnosed?

It can be difficult to accurately diagnose benign rolandic epilepsy because it is a rare disorder and the characteristic EEG patterns may not be present in all patients when they are seizure-free.

However, in some patients, this condition appears to be accompanied by other findings such as abnormal brain scans, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), and mental retardation.

Therefore, in most cases, there is a definitive diagnosis of benign rolandic epilepsy using electroencephalography (EEG) and other laboratory markers.

What Does Benign Rolandic Epilepsy Consist Of?

Benign rolandic epilepsy is a rare and poorly understood form of epilepsy that mainly affects children.

How Is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy Treated?

The treatment of benign rolandic epilepsy involves the use of several types of medications. The drugs are used to help manage the seizures, although other factors should be taken into consideration including factors such as other illnesses that should be treated, history of adverse effects from other medications, and other pre-existing conditions that will need to be addressed at the same time.

Some patients may experience an increase in their seizure rate while taking anticonvulsants. However, researchers have found that after four to six months of additional drug therapy, the seizure rate usually decreases again.