Rolandic epilepsy, also known as benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) or benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE), is a type of childhood epilepsy that is characterized by seizures originating from the Rolandic area of the brain.
The Rolandic area, also referred to as the centrotemporal region or the Rolandic fissure, is located in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, near the area responsible for controlling movement of the face, mouth, and tongue.
Rolandic epilepsy typically affects children between the ages of 3 and 13 years, with a peak incidence around 8 to 9 years old. It is considered a benign form of epilepsy as it often resolves on its own during adolescence or early adulthood.
Seizures in Rolandic epilepsy typically manifest as focal seizures, meaning they originate from a specific area of the brain and may spread to other regions. These seizures often occur during sleep and primarily affect the face, causing tingling or numbness, drooling, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and occasionally twitching or jerking movements of the mouth or face.
In addition to seizures, individuals with Rolandic epilepsy may experience other symptoms, such as speech and language difficulties, specifically related to articulation. Some children may also have mild attention and behavioral problems, but these are usually transient and do not significantly impact overall development or intelligence.
Diagnosis of Rolandic epilepsy is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings that show characteristic centrotemporal spikes during sleep. Treatment typically involves observation and, in some cases, the use of antiepileptic medications to control seizures and manage symptoms.
Overall, Rolandic epilepsy is considered a relatively common and manageable form of childhood
