Epilepsy syndromes

An epilepsy syndrome is defined as "a characteristic cluster of clinical and EEG features, often supported by specific etiological findings (structural, genetic, metabolic, immune, and infectious)."

Syndromes are characterized by certain seizure type(s) and specific findings on EEG. Epilepsy syndromes often begin (and may remit) at specific ages. Identification of an epilepsy syndrome may provide important clues to the likely cause, the most effective treatment and the risk of comorbidities such as learning problems, intellectual disability, ADHD or other problems.

Not everyone with epilepsy can be defined as having an epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsy syndromes are most commonly found in children with epilepsy onset before 3 years of age and are less common in adult-onset epilepsy.