Self-limited childhood occipital epilepsy

Self-limited childhood occipital epilepsy (also called benign childhood occipital epilepsy, or BCOE) is a type of epilepsy that starts in childhood and, in most cases, goes away on its own as the child grows older. The word 'occipital' refers to the back part of the brain, which handles vision — and that is exactly where the unusual electrical activity in the brain begins during a seizure. There are two main forms: the Panayiotopoulos type (which usually starts between ages 3 and 6) and the Gastaut type (which usually starts between ages 8 and 12). Both are considered 'self-limited,' meaning they tend to stop happening without treatment as the child reaches their teenage years. During a seizure, children may experience visual symptoms like seeing flashing lights, colored shapes, or temporary blindness. They may also feel sick to their stomach, vomit, or turn their head and eyes to one side. In the Panayiotopoulos type, seizures often happen during sleep and can last a long time, sometimes looking like a medical emergency even though they are usually not dangerous. In the Gastaut type, seizures are shorter but may happen more often. Most children with this condition live completely normal lives. Treatment with anti-seizure medications is sometimes used to reduce how often seizures happen, but many children do not need long-term medication because the epilepsy resolves on its own. The outlook for this condition is very positive, and it does not typically affect a child's intelligence or development.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Does my child need to take daily medication, or can we wait and watch?,How long is my child likely to have seizures before they stop on their own?,Should I have emergency rescue medication at home, and how do I use it?,Are there any activities my child should avoid while seizures are happening?,What should I tell my child's school about this condition?,When should I bring my child to the emergency room versus managing a seizure at home?,Will my child need an EEG or MRI again in the future to check on progress?

Common questions about Self-limited childhood occipital epilepsy

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Self-limited childhood occipital epilepsy.

• Childhood absence epilepsy→