Ictal blinking, an under-recognized phenomenon: our experience and literature review

Ictal blinking (IB) is a very rare disease manifesting as an epileptic motor event in children and adults. Until now it has not been included in any classification of focal seizures of the International League Against Epilepsy Commission. It could be unilateral or bilateral, isolated or in association with other motor manifestations such as limbs’ clonus and spasms. Its pathogenesis has not been clearly established: paroxysmal discharges from different areas of the brain could cause IB by activation of trigeminal fibers. Herein authors report three infants and a child with IB, observed in three pediatric centers in two different countries. We also performed a review of literature data, suggesting IB as a seizure type to be included in international classifications, and describing the specific electroencephalographic pattern of this condition.