GENERALIZED TONIC AND TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES OF CHILDHOOD

In a retrospective analysis of all our patients with seizure onset pri or to age 16 years, 25 patients with primary generalized tonic (n = 10 ) or tonic-clonic (n = 15) seizures were identified. These patients co nstituted 5.7% of the total seizure patient population in our institut e between the ages of 1 month and 16 years. The natural history of gen eralized tonic-clonic seizures is known to be benign; however, that of isolated primary generalized tonic seizures is not clear. Therefore, an attempt was made to characterize the patients suffering from primar y generalized tonic seizures and determine their outcome. Analysis of our patient population shows that both seizure types are characterized by early onset of generalized seizures that appear in normally develo ped children with a normal electroencephalographic background. The chi ldren usually respond quickly to antiepileptic drugs. A long-term foll ow-up (mean period of 7.6 years) was possible in 84% of the patients, and showed that 95% of them were seizure free at the end of the follow -up period. There was no significant difference between the two groups in regard to age of onset, family history, and seizures at follow-up. In conclusion, the natural history of patients with generalized tonic seizures is similar to the benign course of those with generalized to nic-clonic seizures.