Frequency of EEG abnormalities in age-matched siblings of autistic children with abnormal sleep EEG patterns.

Epileptiform activity in sleep has been described even in the absence of clinical seizures in 43-68% of patients with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Genetic factors may play a significant role in the frequency of epilepsy, yet the frequency in normal age-matched controls is unknown. We studied overnight ambulatory electroencephalograms (EEGs) in 12 nonepileptic, nonautistic children with a sibling with both ASDs and an abnormal EEG.

Multiple subpial transections in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy.

Object: The technique involved in multiple subpial transections (MSTs) allows the surgeon treating patients with epilepsy the capability to make disconnective lesions in epileptogenic regions of eloquent cortex. Although there have been increasing numbers of reports in adults of the efficacy and relative safety of this technique, there are relatively few such reports in children. The authors present their experience in 30 children who underwent MSTs during the surgical management of the seizure disorder.