Evaluation of ictal video EEG in frontal origin seizures

Objective The study is to evaluate clinical features, ictal and interictal EEG characteristics in the patients diagnosed as frontal lobe epilepsy. Methods Clinical data and EEG findings were subject to the comparison in 50 cases based on routine and long term video EEG (VEEG) recordings, especially on 20 frontal seizures recorded. Results 20 ictal seizures in 17 cases showed the characteristics of typical frontal lobe origin as follows: postural seizures, gestural automatism, vocalization, adversive seizures and changes in expressions. Frontal lobe seizures were often exhibited in relatively short durations, whereas the frequent nocturnal attacks usually occurred without postictal mental confusion. The ictal epileptic discharges might be of assistance for their diagnoses in view of the lack of interictal EEG positive findings in some cases. Nine of the 50 cases were clinically corresponded to a group of benign frontal lobe epilepsy in children. Conclusion Practically the frontal lobe epilepsy was not so uncommon. Ictal monitoring using video EEG might be helpful for its diagnosis and treatment.