An epilepsy syndrome is defined as "a characteristic cluster of clinical and Electroencephalography (EEG) features, often supported by specific etiological findings (structural, genetic, metabolic, immune, and infectious)."[1]
Syndromes are characterized by seizure types and specific findings on EEGs. Epilepsy syndromes often begin, and may remit, at specific ages. Identification of an epilepsy syndrome may provide important clues to the likely cause, the most effective treatment and the risk of comorbidities such as learning problems, intellectual disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or other problems.[1]
Not everyone with epilepsy can be defined as having an epilepsy syndrome.[1] Epilepsy syndromes are most commonly found in children with epilepsy onset before 3 years of age and are less common in adult-onset epilepsy.[2]
This article reflects the 2017 ILAE Classification of the Epilepsies, and its more detailed follow-up papers, produced for the International League Against Epilepsy by a number of specialist clinicians.[3] Some syndromes in earlier classifications have been renamed or redefined, but these are retained at the end of the article for convenience.