Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PD) are hyperkinetic movement disorders where patients usually retain consciousness. Paroxysmal dyskinesias can be kinesigenic (PKD), nonkinesigenic (PNKD), and exercise induced (PED). These are usually differentiated from each other based on their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Genetic causes of PD are continuing to be discovered. Genes found to be involved in the pathogenesis of PD include MR-1, PRRT2, SLC2A1, and KCNMA1. The differential diagnosis is broad as PDs can mimic psychogenic events, seizure, or other movement disorders. This review also includes secondary causes of PDs, which can range from infections, metabolic, structural malformations to malignancies. Treatment is usually based on the correct identification of type of PD. PKD responds well to antiepileptic medications, whereas PNKD and PED respond to avoidance of triggers and exercise, respectively. In this article, we review the classification, clinical features, genetics, differential diagnosis, and management of PD.

Brivaracetam is a new antiepileptic drug with limited data in children. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy/tolerability of brivaracetam. This is a retrospective chart review of children/adolescents with refractory epilepsy treated with brivaracetam from 2016 to 2018. The primary outcome was seizure reduction (decrease in seizure frequency >50%). Twenty-three patients were identified. Mean age at initiation was 12.5 years. Fourteen were females. Epilepsy was focal in 11, generalized in 6, and mixed in 3. Average dose was 3.9 mg/kg/d. The mean duration of treatment was 8.2 months. Eight had greater than 50% decrease in seizure frequency, of which 7 had focal epilepsy, and 1 had Lennox-Gastaut/mixed epilepsy. Two had drowsiness and 3 behavioral complaints. One experienced tingling and dizziness. Our retrospective review suggests that brivaracetam is an effective therapy for refractory focal epilepsy in children older than 4 years of age.