Genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy with occipital semiology

Idiopathic photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy (IPOE) is a syndrome that should be suspected in patients with seizures with occipital semiology, photosensitivity, and normal MRI. It should be distinguished from occipital epilepsy of unknown aetiology (cryptogenic) given the differences in management. We reviewed patients with occipital seizures which were investigated in our epilepsy unit during the last three years. Three patients were identified with features of IPOE and genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), formerly known as idiopathic generalized epilepsy, and their clinical characteristics were analysed. We propose the term idiopathic generalized epilepsy with occipital semiology based on the significance of managing and treating this syndrome as a GGE.