What Is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

What is rolandic epilepsy?

Doctors group epilepsies into syndromes, and this is one of the childhood epilepsy syndromes.

• Names: you may see benign rolandic epilepsy, benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood or benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. “Benign epilepsy” on its own is a broader phrase, so check which syndrome your child’s doctor means.
• Current name: Epilepsy Action Australia lists it as self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (benign rolandic epilepsy).
• Self-limited: the word describes the usual pattern, where seizures stop as children grow older, but each child is different.
• Where it fits: it is one of many types, which our guide to the different types of epilepsy sets out.

Benign rolandic epilepsy symptoms: what to watch for

Seizures look different from child to child, so a doctor needs a clear description rather than a guess from the family.

The treating specialist can explain which symptoms are typical of this syndrome and what applies to your child.

What causes benign rolandic epilepsy?

A specialist is the best person to explain why a particular child develops this syndrome.

• Ask the specialist: a neurologist or paediatrician can explain what is known about your child’s epilepsy and what tests, if any, are needed.
• General causes: our guide to what can cause epilepsy covers causes across all types.
• Family questions: if you wonder whether other children in the family are affected, raise it at your next appointment.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

How benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood is assessed in Australia

Assessment is led by doctors, and the steps below show the usual path for families.

1. 1Book a GP appointment. Describe what you saw, bring any video, and say how often it has happened and when it began.
2. 2Ask for a referral. Your GP can refer your child to a paediatrician or neurologist who treats epilepsy.
3. 3Attend the tests your specialist orders. The specialist decides which investigations suit your child, so ask what each one is for.
4. 4Ask for a written plan. Request a seizure management plan for home, school and outings, and keep a copy on the fridge.
5. 5Book regular reviews. Reviews let your specialist check how your child is going and update the plan.

Benign rolandic epilepsy treatment and support

Treatment decisions belong to your child’s doctor, and this page does not recommend any medicine or dose.

• Medical care: your specialist decides whether treatment is needed and what suits your child; never start, stop or change medicine without their advice.
• Seizure plan: follow your child’s own seizure management plan, and call 000 in an emergency.
• Education support: talk to your child’s school about seizure plans, rest breaks and who is trained to respond.
• Peer support: Epilepsy Foundation and Epilepsy Action Australia offer information and support for families.
• Wider management: see our overview of epilepsy management and our guide to childhood epilepsy.

Daily life with benign childhood epilepsy

A few shared habits can help school, sport and family life run more smoothly.

• Share the plan: give copies of the seizure plan to school, carers, coaches and anyone who looks after your child.
• Keep a diary: note seizures, sleep and any patterns, then bring it to each appointment.
• Talk openly: explain the condition to your child in age-appropriate words so they feel included, not singled out.
• Plan activities: ask your specialist about swimming, bike riding and heights, and put the answers in writing.
• Look after carers: if worry is wearing you down, speak to your GP, and call Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you feel in crisis.

NDIS and other support for epilepsy

If you meet the NDIS access requirements, the NDIS may fund supports related to the impact of disability on daily life.

• Access first: the NDIA looks at how a condition affects everyday activities, not just the diagnosis name.
• Evidence: bring your specialist’s letter and seizure plan to any NDIS access request or planning meeting.
• Complex needs: some people with epilepsy need extra support at home, which our guide to high intensity supports explains.
• Other options: your GP, school and local epilepsy organisations can point you to support outside the NDIS.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition, after migraine, stroke and dementia (Epilepsy Action Australia).

When to talk to a GP or specialist

Seek advice early rather than waiting, and call 000 in an emergency.

• Your child has a first seizure or something you think may have been a seizure.
• Seizures change in how often, how long or how they look.
• Your child seems unusually tired, low or has trouble at school.
• You have questions about medicine, side effects or a missed dose.
• You need a seizure plan for school, sport or a new carer.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If epilepsy affects daily life for your child or someone you care for, practical support can help at home and in the community. At TQN Care, our high-care and complex support team works with families to follow each person’s seizure plan, never to give treatment. You can send a referral through our form and we will talk through what support could look like.