What is rolandic epilepsy?

Rolandic epilepsy refers to a form of epilepsy in which focal seizures originate in the area sometimes known as the perirolandic cortex (the area around the rolandic fissure). The rolandic fissure(named after after Luigi Rolando) is better known as the central sulcus. It is the major sulcus (groove or fold) in the cerebral cortex (brain surface) on both sides of the brain.

The central sulcus is a prominent landmark of the brain, separating the front part of the parietal lobe known as the somatosensory cortex which deals with bodily sensations, from the back part of the frontal lobe known as the primary motor cortex which controls the voluntary muscles in our body.

If originate from these areas then they are likely to cause symptoms relate to the areas mentioned above. In other word, epileptic activation (a focal seizure) of the sensory cortex will cause in the opposite side of the body, and epileptic activation of the main motor area will cause involuntary movements on the opposite side of the body.

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