Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures

Definition

A form of rare self-limited childhood occipital epilepsy characterized by focal seizures with autonomic features, such as nausea, vomiting, pallor, and cardiorespiratory changes, in addition to visual disturbances. Patient shows a fluctuation in symptoms and awareness during the same seizure event. Seizures are typically long lasting. This syndrome is the most common cause of afebrile, nonconvulsive status epilepticus in childhood. Seizures typically begin between the ages of 3 and 6, with remission usually occurring within 2 or 3 years. They are usually infrequent, however in some patients they can be frequent or disruptive. There is no impact on neurodevelopment, unlike self-limited childhood focal epilepsies.