Scientists first described ESES in 1971Trusted Source. The condition creates a distinctive pattern on an electroencephalogram (EEG), where there is an increaseTrusted Source in epileptiform activity (spike and wave discharges) during slow-wave sleep. Slow-wave sleep is a deep sleep that happens during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Read more about deep sleep.
Symptoms
The key symptoms of ESES include:
- Seizures: While seizures are a common symptomTrusted Source, they may not be as prominent in ESES compared with other forms of epilepsy. Types of seizures include focal (partial) seizures, nocturnal seizures, and generalized seizures. Neurodevelopmental conditions or epilepsy may cause these seizures, which can lead to cognitive impairment and behavioral changes.
- Cognitive impairment: A notable decline in cognitive functions can occurTrusted Source, especially in areas such as attention, memory, and learning. Children may also have difficulty at school, including problems acquiring new knowledge and skills.
- Behavioral changes: Children may exhibit changes in behavior, such asTrusted Source increased irritability, hyperactivity, or aggression. They may have social interaction difficulties and possibly symptoms resembling autism spectrum disorders.