Generalized paroxysmal fast activity in a cohort of patients with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze and summarize the characteristics of generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA) via electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM) and to determine its relationship with clinical outcome.

METHODS

Patients with EEM were selected from our EEG database. The collected data included detailed clinical information, factors that triggered GPFA, and the relationship between GPFA and eyelid myoclonia seizures. The clinical data and EEG characteristics of patients with and without GPFA were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with EEM were identified according to the clinical criteria, of whom 18 (38.3%) exhibited GPFA. GPFA can occur ictally or interictally. The difference in the response to antiseizure medication (ASM) between EEM patients with and without GPFA suggested that patients who had GPFA on EEG might have easier seizure control.

CONCLUSION

In our study, 38.3% of EEM patients had GPFA on EEG. GPFA is an EEG pattern in individuals with EEM that can cause eyelid myoclonia. EEM patients with GPFA on their EEG had easier seizure control than those without GPFA.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study summarized the incidence and electroclinical features of GPFA in a cohort of patients with EEM.