The effect of
Sulthiame on the EEG and on clinical
seizures was evaluated in an open uncontrolled study in 25 children with focal sharp waves on the EEG (FSW). 16 children had typical benign
partial epilepsy with rolandic spikes (BPERS), 5 children with atypical forms and 4 children with no clinical
seizures but cognitive disturbances possibly related to the FSW. The effect of
Sulthiame in suppressing the EEG discharges was evaluated on the waking and sleep EEG before introduction of the
drug, and at 3 - 6 months, 6 to 12 months and beyond while under
therapy. The children were followed clinically for one to several years. The EEG discharges disappeared or decreased under
Sulthiame in 13/21 cases at 3 to 6 months but reappeared in 3/13 cases beyond this period. No case had a worsening of the EEG or of clinical
seizures under
Sulthiame, and no cognitive stagnation was noted. Our data confirm the good tolerance and positive effects on the EEG and justify systematic trials of this
drug in the partial "functional"
epilepsies, especially when negative cognitive consequences of the epileptic discharges are suspected.