What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECCT)
• Benign Epilepsy with Centro-Temporal Spikes (BECTS)
• Benign Rolandic Epilepsy of Childhood (BREC)

What is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE) is the most common form of childhood epilepsy. It is referred to as "benign" because most children outgrow the condition by puberty. This form of epilepsy is characterized by seizures involving a part of the brain called the rolandic area
• These seizures typically begin between the ages of 3 and 12 years and occur during the nighttime. Other features of BRE include headaches or migraines and behavioral and/or learning differences
• BRE is thought to be a genetic disorder, because most affected individuals have a family history of epilepsy
• Treatment is usually not indicated; however for individuals that have seizures in the daytime, common seizure medications might be prescribed

(Source: Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE); Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The presentation of symptoms of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy is known to occur during early to late childhood (between ages 3 and 12)
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since Benign Rolandic Epilepsy can run in families
• Currently, no other risk factors have been clearly identified for the disorder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy is not known. It may have a genetic basis, since the condition can run in families
• Some studies have indicated the involvement of chromosomes 11 (11p13) and 15 (15q14) in the development of BRE

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

The signs and symptoms of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE) may include:

• EEG with centrotemporal focal spike waves
• Focal seizures
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures with focal onset
• BRE typically begins between the ages of 3 and 13 years with nighttime seizures. The episodes usually begin with twitching and stiffness in the face, that often wakes up the individual
• There may be a tingling feeling on one side of the mouth that involves the tongue, lips, gums and inside of the cheek
• The seizure can also involve the throat, which may make speech unclear and difficult to understand
• Occasionally, both sides of the body may be affected, which can lead to stiffness and jerking movements of the arms and legs, and loss of consciousness
• Loss of bladder control (incontinence) may also occur
• Some individuals with BRE experience headaches or migraines, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems during the period of time that they have seizures. Once seizures stop and brain activity returns to normal, these issues usually resolve

(Source: Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE); Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy Diagnosed?

Benign Rolandic Epilepsy is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

The complications of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy may include:

• Trauma/injury due to falls
• Problems with speech (expressive speech and receptive/expressive vocabulary) 
• Compromised memory
• Issues such as aggression, depression, and anxiety
• Reduced quality of life during childhood
• Emotional stress for the parents and caregivers

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy Treated?

• Usually, treatment is not necessary for Benign Rolandic Epilepsy because the seizure episodes are infrequent and typically end by puberty
• When episodes are more frequent or occur in the daytime, antiseizure medications, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, clonazepam, clobazam, gabapentin, and levetiracetam, may be used
• Most individuals respond to a low dose of a single drug; however rarely, a combination of different medications is needed

(Source: Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE); Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How can Benign Rolandic Epilepsy be Prevented?

Benign Rolandic Epilepsy may not be preventable, since it may run in families and is considered a genetic disorder.

• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In a majority, the prognosis of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy is good
• The episodes of epilepsy end by the time an affected individual reaches puberty (ages 9-15 years)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Benign Rolandic Epilepsy:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/