Benign Rolandic Epilepsy of Childhood (BREC), also known as Rolandic epilepsy or benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, is a common and relatively mild form of childhood epilepsy. It is named after the rolandic region of the brain where seizures typically originate.
The hallmark of BREC is frequent seizures occurring during sleep, usually at night or upon awakening. These seizures, commonly referred to as focal or partial seizures, manifest as brief facial twitching, drooling, or numbness, with occasional involvement of the arm or leg on one side of the body. Speech and consciousness are usually preserved, although some children may experience speech difficulties during the seizure. The duration of these seizures is typically short, lasting for a few seconds to a few minutes.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings are crucial in diagnosing BREC. They reveal characteristic sharp waves or spikes over the centrotemporal regions of the brain during sleep, particularly in the transition from non-REM to REM sleep stages.
BREC is generally considered a benign condition, as it tends to resolve on its own during adolescence or early teenage years. Treatment is often unnecessary, but antiepileptic drugs may be prescribed if seizures are frequent or significantly affecting the child's quality of life.
Children with BREC typically have normal cognitive and intellectual development, and their overall prognosis is excellent. While the seizures may be distressing to both the child and their parents, the condition is not associated with any serious neurological or developmental disorders.
