[Benign epilepsy in children and adolescents].

THE CONCEPT OF BENIGN EPILEPSY: The benign nature of epilepsy is difficult to establish. The diagnosis of epilepsy often has an effect disproportionate to the severity. In everyday practice, most cases of epilepsy follow a benign course. A benign evolution is the rule in certain syndromes which are usually diagnosed early. In other cases however, the benign prognosis cannot be determined except after long-term follow-up. BENIGN EPILEPSY: There are 3 large categories of benign epilepsy: partial idiopathic epilepsy, generalized idiopathic epilepsy, occasional seizures. They are particularly frequent in children and adolescents, but can be observed in the neonatal period and in older patients. DIAGNOSIS OF BENIGN EPILEPSY: A syndromic approach to the problem is required. The patient's history, clinical signs, electroencephalographic data, and in certain cases neuroimaging findings are required for diagnosis. Confirmation of the benign nature of the epilepsy is reassuring for the patient and the family and can avoid unnecessary explorations. The appropriate therapeutic attitude is usually abstention from long-term antiepileptic treatment. It is importance for all clinicians to be familiar with "benign" epilepsy.