Epileptic encephalopathies due to focal or unilateral brain lesion

Epileptic encephalopathies are clinical conditions characterised by epilepsy and cognitive or motor deterioration, in which epilepsy and/or epileptiform abnormalities are considered a major cause of the regression. Several epileptic encephalopathies have been identified by the Commission for Classification and Terminology of the International League Against Epilepsy. However, many other clinical conditions, for instance those due to a focal brain lesion, can be considered as an epileptic encephalopathy. Because of the severity of these diseases and their progressive course, all efforts should be made to stop seizures and/or EEG epileptiform abnormalities. Particular attention should be given to epileptic encephalopathies with an underlying focal structural brain lesion, particularly cortical malformations, as in these conditions a surgical approach could be envisaged. Surgical options for epileptic encephalopathy due to focal or unilateral brain lesions should be considered as soon as possible during the diagnostic procedure.