Prolonged generalized epileptic seizures triggered by breath-holding spells.

We report a 3-year-old female with anoxic-epileptic seizures. Beginning at 11 months of age, she had repeated breath-holding spells with transition into generalized tonic-clonic seizures or status epilepticus. Interictal electroencephalography exhibited no abnormalities. A multidisciplinary diagnostic approach revealed a severely disturbed mother-daughter relationship that was the trigger of the breath-holding spells. Psychotherapy for the mother and daughter led to cessation of the breath-holding spells and, consequently, of the anoxic-epileptic seizures. Her further development was largely normal. We discuss the etiology and treatment of anoxic-epileptic seizures. This case is the first reported case of anoxic epileptic seizures that responded to psychologic rather than antiepileptic treatment. We advocate an initial psychologic assessment to help determine the appropriate treatment in children with recurrent anoxic-epileptic seizures.