EPILEPSY SYNDROMES WITH CONTINIUOS SPIKE AND WAVE ACTIVITY DURING SLEEP

Syndromes with continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS) are being actively studied now. Etiological factors include both genetic causes and structural brain disorders; frequently – the damage of the thalamus, and congenital malformations. In most cases, the persistence of CSWS pattern leads to a neurocognitive dysfunction. Two mechanisms of the intellectual regression are supposed: a violation of brain maturation processes and the effect of the remote inhibition. The most effective treatment is considered to be a combination of hormones and antiepileptic drugs. It is often possible to restore a normal level of child development in case of the early diagnosis and rational therapeutic tactics. However, if more than 18 months has passed since the onset of seizures, as a rule, intellectual functions can’t be improved.