| A type of familial frontal lobe epilepsy where individuals present with clusters of motor seizures occurring from sleep, with usual onset in the first two decades of life, typically in adolescence (eleven to fourteen years). Focal motor seizures have hyperkinetic features or asymmetric tonic/dystonic features, usually with autonomic signs, vocalization, and negative emotional expression such as fear. Seizures are brief, with abrupt onset/offset, and there is often preserved awareness during the seizure. Individuals may describe a focal aware sensory or cognitive seizure before the motor features commence. Development and cognition are typically normal. Neurological examination is normal. The electroencephalogram (EEG) background is typically normal. The awake EEG is non epileptiform in most patients. During sleep, interictal epileptiform abnormalities are seen over the frontal areas in approximately 50% of patients. Neuroimaging is usually normal. There is a family history of sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. |
