Abstract
A boy aged 10 years with frequent complex partial seizures during nocturnal sleep was investigated by means of overnight polygraphy.
Interictal EEG showed 2-3 Hz diffuse irregular spike and wave complexes mostly in all areas, that were predominant occasionally in the left frontocentral area.
The following three types of linical seizures were observed: C1, C2 and C3. As to C1, he automatically moved the upper and lower extremities, and then put on the quilt. As to C2, a tonic posture preceded the same behavior as in the case of C1. As to C3, secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures succeeded the same behavior as in the case of C2. During the clinical seizures, EEG showed no apparent change in the first part and then showed diffuse slow wave bursts in all areas. Successively fast activity followed by spike and wave complexes was seen in all areas when the secondarily generalized seizures occurred.
The clinical seizures occurred frequently within three hours after sleep onset, and all appeared in NREM sleep.
Stage 4 latency was prolonged owing to the frequent clinical seizures, but the amount of slow wave sleep was increased on the whole.
