A Review of the Not So Benign- Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes

Abstract

Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS) is one of the commonest childhood epileptic syndromes. It is also one of the most researched epilepsy syndrome and the diagnosis and management are based on standard protocol. Although in the past it was considered as a benign and self-limited entity, more and more evidences are accumulating to suggest that this condition may be associated with learning deficits in children. EEG in BECTS is diagnostic which may continue to be abnormal, years after remission from clinical seizures. From the treatment point of view, it is a debatable issue whether anticonvulsants should be used to treat BECTS? A lot of advancements in the understanding of the genetics have been observed in the last decade which may have a key role in the prevention and better management of this condition in future. The current review focuses on the newer advancements in the understanding of the clinical presentation & pathophysiology of BECTS, its genetics and the prognosis.