Diagnostic assessment and prognosis of epileptic syndromes monitored from their onset: Generalized epilepsies

Fifty-six patients with generalized epilepsy, both idiopathic and symptomatic, entered this prospective study in order to assess the clinical applicability of the new classification of epileptic syndromes and to detect early prognostic factors. The mean follow-up period was 25.2 ± 11.5 months (range:3-42 months). In our population the International Classification could be satisfactorily applied in most cases of idiopatic generalized epilepsies while several cases of symptomatic epilepsies could not be included in any codified syndrome. Our data show that diagnosis, preexisting neurological and mental deficits and an early onset of epilepsy significantly affect the evolution of the disease, whereas no relationship was found between the relapse rate and sex, etiological factors, radiological findings, delay between onset and therapy and follow up period.