Infantile seizures and epilepsy syndromes

Despite difficulties in precisely identifying and classifying infantile seizures, most infantile epilepsy syndromes can be classified, at least in broad categories. Infants with intractable epilepsy, however, may be difficult to accurately classify. These patients have complex presentations that do not easily allow labeling into "focal" or "generalized" categories. Within each category of infantile epilepsy, there appear to be benign and severe forms. Classifications based on semiology may be easier to use for all infants with epilepsy. At least three broad categories of epilepsy can be identified: infants with myoclonic seizures, infants with spasms, and infants with focal seizures. Within each category benign and severe presentations exist, with clearly defined, unique features. Whether the various presentations of epilepsy in infants can be cleanly separated into these categories, or need to be considered as points along a biologic spectrum, will require further research.