Benign partial epilepsy with secondarily generalized seizures in infancy.

Seven infants with benign idiopathic partial epilepsy presented with apparently generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCs) which proved to be partial seizures evolving to secondarily generalized seizures. All were easily controlled with phenobarbital (PB) or carbamazepine (CBZ), and remained seizure-free > 3 years even after discontinuation of medication, and had a normal developmental outcome. The initial seizure manifestation consisting of motion arrest, staring or blank eyes, or crying associated with focal paroxysmal discharges was followed by GTCs in accordance with generalization of paroxysmal discharges. Four infants had a family history of benign type of childhood convulsions. The term "benign partial epilepsy in infancy" is proposed to combine this syndrome with the previously described benign infantile epilepsy with complex partial seizures.