ABSTRACT

We present three children in whom a diagnosis of electrical status epilepticus during slow-wave sleep was drawn from clinical and EEG findings. All patients had neuropsychological and/or mental disturbances and a history of epileptic seizures or febrile convulsions. Sleep EEGs showed continuous spikeand- wave discharges. Treatment was designed with sodium valproate and a corticosteroid, with an addition of lamotrigine in one patient. Treatment resulted in behavioral improvement in three patients and cognitive improvement in two patients. The relevance of sleep EEG monitoring is emphasized in children presenting with behavioral manifestations.

Keywords: Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use; child; electroencephalography;electrophysiology; sleep/physiology;status epilepticus/physiopathology/complications