[Epileptiform activity in nonepileptic children: clinical-electroencephalographic correlations].

Frequency of epileptiform activity in children without epilepsy has been studied in 1920 patients who underwent electroencephalographic examination along with clinical and neuropsychological assessment. The population-based frequency of epileptiform activity was 1,93%. It was found mainly in boys (73%) and was the highest at ages 4-5 and 7-8 years. Regional patterns, especially benign epileptiform discharges of childhood, were found in most cases (86,5%) with predominant involvement of the left hemisphere (56,2%). In most patients, mild to moderate neurological and neuropsychological abnormalities, i.e. chronic headaches, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech delay, enuresis, breath-holding spells, cerebral palsy, tics, were observed. Neither subjective complaints no neurological, cognitive abnormalities were noted in 13,5% of cases. The results obtained suggest that epileptiform activity in non-epileptic children may reflect age-dependent mechanisms of brain dysfunction. Futher studies are needed to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms of this electroclinical association and to elaborate standards of its correction in this group of children.