Nap polygraphic recordings after partial sleep deprivation the night before in epileptology pediatrics

Introduction. - The relationship between sleep and epilepsy has been established since the antiquity and remains a subject of research in neurophysiology. Methods. - Nap electroencephalogram (EEG) after partial deprivation of sleep (ESPPS) the night before and the eve of the EEG after partial deprivation of sleep (EVPPS) was performed at the neurophysiology laboratory of the Sidi-Bel-Abbes University Hospital (Algeria). The series included 129 children with various types of epilepsy, aged between two and 15 years, whose standard EEG was normal (without sleep deprivation). Depending on the child's age, partial sleep deprivation was performed by the parents by beginning evening sleep late and early morning awakening. This recording procedure was performed in calm conditions and in a dark atmosphere using head electrodes. Results. - Activation (interictal paroxysms or non paroxysmal pathologic activity) was observed in 73% of patients after partial deprivation of night sleep. Ictal events were recorded in six patients. Conclusion. - This method was contributive to diagnosis in three-quarters of the patients. The EVPPS was more conclusive than the ESPPS. This fact demonstrated the usefulness of sleep deprivation for the exploration of electric abnormalities not detected by a standard EEG. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.