The prognosis of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Abstract

Prognosis describes the trajectory and long-term outcome of a condition. Most studies indicate a better prognosis in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) in comparison with other epilepsy syndromes. Studies looking at the long-term outcome of different IGE syndromes are relatively scant. Childhood absence epilepsy appears to have a higher rate of remission compared to juvenile absence epilepsy. In absence epilepsies, development of myoclonus and generalized tonic-clonic seizures predicts lower likelihood of remission. Although most patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) achieve remission on antiepileptic drug therapy, <20% appear to remain in remission without treatment. Data on the prognosis of other IGE syndromes are scarce. There are contradictory findings reported on the value of electroencephalography as a predictor of prognosis. Comparisons are made difficult by study heterogeneity, particularly in methodology and diagnostic criteria.

• Authors: Udaya Seneviratne, Mark Cook, Wendyl D'Souza
• Journal: Epilepsia (Epilepsia) Vol. 53 Issue 12 Pg. 2079-90 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1528-1167 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23106474 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 International League Against Epilepsy.

Topics

• Epilepsy, Generalized (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Prognosis