Nocturnal epilepsy masquerading as a behavioral problem in childhood.

Nocturnal epilepsy has been described as a clinical syndrome since the early 1950s. It has been reported most frequently in the European literature and receives scant attention in current American pediatric texts. Two cases are described that presented as behavioral problems in childhood but whose subsequent evaluation and response to therapy support the diagnosis of nocturnal epilepsy. Clues in the history and the failure of behavioral intervention are important in suspecting the syndrome. Physical examination and waking electroencephalographic findings are normal in most cases. Electroencephalography performed during sleep provides positive evidence of nocturnal epilepsy in the majority of cases.