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Startle Epilepsy

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Atlas of Epilepsies

Short Description

Startle epilepsy is characterized by seizures precipitated by sudden, unexpected stimuli, usually sound or touch. It typically, but not exclusively, affects children with neurological deficits and is generally considered rare (Alajouanine and Gastaut 1955; Aguglia et al. 1984; Manford et al. 1996).

Classification

Although formerly classified as symptomatic epilepsy, in the most recent proposed classification, it has been described as an epilepsy syndrome under the heading of reflex epilepsy (Proposal for revised classification of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes 1989; Engel 2001). However, recent clinical and electrophysiological findings may imply that startle epilepsy is not a uniform epileptic entity.

Differentiation between proven and probable startle-induced seizures has been suggested (Rosenow and Lüders 2000).

Reflex myoclonic epilepsy in infancy constitutes a benign subtype of startle epilepsy (Deonna 1998).

Clinical Manifestation

Seizure semiology is more...

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References

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Tibussek, D., Schmitt, B. (2010). Startle Epilepsy. In: Panayiotopoulos, C.P. (eds) Atlas of Epilepsies. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-128-6_164

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-128-6_164

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-127-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-128-6

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