Automatisms in Absence Seizures in Children With Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Automatisms are well recognized to occur in complex partial seizures; however, their occurrence in generalized epilepsies is not always appreciated. There has been considerable debate regarding the nature, triggers, and timing of automatisms in absence seizures. OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency and nature of automatisms in new-onset absence seizures and assess the influence of the state of arousal, provocation, age, and epilepsy syndrome on the presence and type of automatisms. DESIGN: Analysis of absence seizures through video electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. SETTING: British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PATIENTS: Seventy consecu..