AUTISTIC EPILEPTIFORM REGRESSION (A REVIEW)

The author represents the review of current scientific literature devoted to autistic epileptiform regression — the special form of autistic disorder, characterized by development of severe communicative disorders in children as a result of continuous prolonged epileptiform activity on EEG. This condition has been described by R.F. Tuchman and I. Rapin in 1997. The author describes the aspects of pathogenesis, clinical pictures and diagnostics of this disorder, including the peculiar anomalies on EEG (benign epileptiform patterns of childhood), with a high index of epileptiform activity, especially in the sleep. The especial attention is given to approaches to the treatment of autistic epileptiform regression. Efficacy of valproates, corticosteroid hormones and antiepileptic drugs of other groups is considered.