EPILEPSY WITH COMPLEX FOCAL ATTACKS IN CHILDHOOD

The focal epilepsies of childhood are reviewed that trigger complex focal attacks, both generalized and non-generalized. Particular emphasis is placed on the attack symptomatology, which is subdivided into: aura, loss of consciousness, spech disturbances, automatism, and other motoric and vegetative attack symptoms. The rolle of routine ictal and interictal EEGs and their importance regarding localization is also examined. In addition, the importance regrading localization is also examined. In addition, the neuropathological findings and etiology are discussed, as are the courses the disease can take (fever cramps in particular), prognosis, and long-term therapy with standard anticonvulsive medications. Finally a definition of pharmacoresistance is given, which is a prerequisite before considering surgical therapy, which then leads to a diagnosis being made before surgery.