Seizures with Apnea in Children

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Abstract
Five children who had apneic attacks as a manifestation of epileptic seizures are reported. In 3 children, the apneic attacks were the sole symptom of epileptic fits. The other 2 children had additional types of seizures. The apneic seizures usually lasted 1-2 min and were characterized by respiratory embarrassment rather than complete arrest. These seizures are usually accompanied by cyanosis which appears early during the course of the attack. Although consciousness seemed to be impaired, this was difficult to assess accurately in infants. The ictal EEG disclosed paroxysmal discharges of focal onset in all cases, consisting of high amplitude .theta.-waves, gradually mixed with or replaced by sharp waves or spikes in some and fast waves followed by slower waves in others. These occurred in temporal areas in 3 patients and in frontal and central areas in 1 patient each. Interictal EEG revealed paroxysmal discharges in only 1 patient. Apneic attacks in these infants are considered to be an integral part of the manifestations of complex partial seizures originating mostly in the limbic system.

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