Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis in children: An emerging acute symptomatic seizures

Abstract

Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) characterized by afebrile seizures that occurred in the acute period of mild gastroenteritis often occur in infancy and toddlers. Until now, it has not been well acknowledged and thereby classified by the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) as epilepsy syndrome or acute symptomatic seizures (ASS). Thus far, accumulating data suggest that CwG could fit all the mandatory criteria of ASS from the aspects of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and outcomes, rather than epilepsy in spite of the rare cases developing epilepsy over time. This review provides a comprehensive picture of this entity aiming to facilitate the pediatricians, particularly for general practitioners, to better recognize this unique entity and, ultimately, to minimize unnecessary evaluation and treatment.