Non-Epileptic Seizures in Rett Syndrome
Abstract number :
3.059
Submission category :
Year :
2000
Submission ID :
2697
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/2/2000 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2000, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Frans K Brockmeier, John A Wilson, Ola H Skjeldal, The National Ctr for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Norway; Dept Clin Neurophysiology, The National Ctr for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Norway; Pediatric Dept, The National Hosp, Oslo, Norway.
RATIONALE: Gastroesophageal reflux is common in children with severe tetraplegic cerebral palsy or Cornelia de Lange syndrome i.a. and may cause severe injuries or even seizure-like symptoms. Esophageal motility disorders and intractable epilepsy have been reported in Rett syndrome. Hence, we examined girls with Rett syndrome and intractable epilepsy for gastroesophageal reflux and related seizure-like attacks. METHODS: In an ongoing study, girls with Rett syndrome were observed for seizures and seizure-like episodes at our center during 24 hours. Gastroesophageal reflux and epileptic activity were simultaneously assessed. The patients with gastroesophageal reflux were treated with the proton-pump inhibitor omeprazol for 2 months and reexamined during the last weeks before and one week after withdrawal of treatment. RESULTS: Preliminary results show that girls with Rett syndrome have a high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux causing non-epileptic seizures. Omeprazol has a good effect on gastroesophageal reflux and inhibits non-epileptic seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Rett syndrome and intractable epilepsy may have non-epileptic seizures caused by gastroesophageal reflux. This might result in excessive treatment with antiepileptic drugs.