International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset at a variable age: position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions

Epilepsia. 2022 Jun;63(6):1443-1474. doi: 10.1111/epi.17240. Epub 2022 May 3.

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to provide updated diagnostic criteria for the epilepsy syndromes that have a variable age of onset, based on expert consensus of the International League Against Epilepsy Nosology and Definitions Taskforce (2017-2021). We use language consistent with current accepted epilepsy and seizure classifications and incorporate knowledge from advances in genetics, electroencephalography, and imaging. Our aim in delineating the epilepsy syndromes that present at a variable age is to aid diagnosis and to guide investigations for etiology and treatments for these patients.

Keywords: Rasmussen syndrome; epilepsy with reading-induced seizures; focal epilepsy syndromes; mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis; progressive myoclonus epilepsies.

MeSH terms

  • Advisory Committees
  • Electroencephalography / adverse effects
  • Epilepsy* / complications
  • Epilepsy* / diagnosis
  • Epileptic Syndromes* / complications
  • Humans
  • Seizures / diagnosis