Abstract

JIMENEZ MENDEZ, María Gabriela et al. Epilepsy and neurocutaneous diseases. Approach in neuropediatrícs. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2013, vol.76, n.4, pp.144-150. ISSN 0004-0649.

Epilepsy is usually the first sign that requires neurological consultation often overlooking the visible skin lesions so common in most neurocutaneous diseases, genetically determined disorders that selectively affect organs and tissues derived from the embryonic ectoderm Objective: To determine the characteristics of epilepsy in pediatric patients with neurocutaneous diseases attending the neuropaediatric clinic at the University Hospital of Maracaibo between 2010 and 2013 Methods: Observational case series Results: Twenty one patients met the criteria for neurocutaneous disorders. Epilepsy was seen in 17 patients, 9 were female and 8 were male. Tuberous sclerosis was the most frequent cause, followed by Sturge Weber syndrome. Statistical significance was found for the association of early onset epileptic crisis before 24 months of age and tuberous sclerosis. Focal seizures were more frequent than generalized seizures. Valproate and oxcarbazepine as monotherapy or in combination are the drugs of choice. Mental retardation was the most frequent comorbidity found Conclusions: Tuberous sclerosis was the major neurocutaneous disease associated with epilepsy with an increased risk of onset of crisis before 24 months of age, followed by Sturge Weber syndrome. There is no significant association between gender and age group and risk of epilepsy. Variable severity of epileptic crises requires polytherapy for adequate control in many cases.

Keywords : Epilepsy; Neurocutaneous Diseases; children.

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