The conventional wisdom in epilepsy is that children should be treated only if they have clinical seizures. In this issue of The Journal, Pressler et al test the hypothesis that treatment of subclinical EEG discharges with the lamotrigine might improve behavior in children with epilepsy. This was studied in a double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study comparing lamotrigine to placebo. Results show improvement in global ratings of behavior in the children who responded with a significant reduction in frequency or duration of discharges during active treatment. These results suggest that suppressing subclinical or interictal seizures can improve behavior in children with epilepsy and behavioral problems. Treatment of interictal epileptiform discharges can improve behavior in children with behavioral problems and epilepsyThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 146Issue 1PreviewIt is generally agreed that children should be treated for epilepsy only if they have clinical seizures. The aim of this study was to examine whether suppressing interictal discharges can affect behavior in children with epilepsy. Full-Text PDF