Benign partial epilepsies in infancy

Benign partial epilepsies are not rare in infancy and comprise two forms, although both are closely related. One is partial epilepsy with complex partial seizures (CPS) and the other one with secondarily generalized seizures (SGS). The most frequent site of seizure origin was in the temporal area in the former and central, parietal or occipital area in the latter. The former has not been well recognized because of subtle seizure manifestations and a favorable outcome. Its unique characteristics should be emphasized because it may be difficult to diagnose it unless we know its presence. Benign convulsions are also common in infancy. Most of them may belong to partial epilepsy with SGS, although confirmation with ictal EEG recording is necessary for accurate diagnosis. Some are familial and many of them seem to show an autosomal dominant pattern, but some seem to have autosomal recessive inheritance.