Epidemiology of uncontrolled epilepsy in the Al-Kharga District,New Valley,Egypt

BackgroundDespite advances in treating epilepsy, uncontrolled epilepsy continues to be a major clinical problem. Therefore, this work aimed to study the epidemiology of uncontrolled epilepsy in Al-Kharga District, New Valley.MethodsThis study was carried out in 3 stages via door-to-door screening of the total population (62,583 persons). All suspected cases of epilepsy were subjected to case ascertainment, conventional ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG), and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. Patients who had been receiving suitable anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) over the previous 6 months and were having active seizures were considered uncontrolled, according to Ohtsuka et al.²³ The patients underwent serum AED level estimation, video EEG monitoring, and brain MRIs. Fifty age- and gender-matched patients with controlled epilepsy were chosen for statistical analysis and compared with true intractable patients.ResultsA total of 437 patients with epilepsy were identified, 30.7% of whom (n = 134/437) were uncontrolled, with a prevalence of 2.1/1000. A total of 52.2% of uncontrolled patients (n = 70/134) were inappropriately treated, while 47.8% (n = 64/134) were compliant with appropriate treatments. Video monitoring EEG of compliant uncontrolled patients demonstrated that 78.1% patients (n = 50/64) had definite epilepsy, while 21.9% (n = 14/64) had psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). A logistic regression analysis revealed that status epilepticus, focal seizures, and mixed seizure types were risk factors for intractability.     

Real-time automated detection of clonic seizures in newborns

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to apply a real-time algorithm for clonic neonatal seizures detection, based on a low complexity image processing approach extracting the differential average luminance from videotaped body movements.Methods23 video-EEGs from 12 patients containing 78 electrographically confirmed neonatal seizures of clonic type were reviewed and all movements were divided into noise, random movements, clonic seizures or other seizure types. Six video-EEGs from 5 newborns without seizures were also reviewed. Videos were then separately analyzed using either single, double or triple windows (these latter with 50% overlap) each of a 10 s duration.ResultsWith a decision threshold set at 0.5, we obtained a sensitivity of 71% (corresponding specificity: 69%) with double-window processing for clonic seizures diagnosis. The discriminatory power, indicated by the Area Under the Curve (AUC), is higher with two interlaced windows (AUC = 0.796) than with single (AUC = 0.788) or triple-window (AUC = 0.728). Among subjects without neonatal seizures, our algorithm showed a specificity of 91% with double-window processing.ConclusionsOur algorithm reliably detects neonatal clonic seizures and differentiates them from either noise, random movements and other seizure types.SignificanceIt could represent a low-cost, low complexity, real-time automated screening tool for clonic neonatal seizures.     

Characteristics of headache in children with epilepsy

PurposeThe association of headache with seizures is well known to neurologists but poorly understood. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the types and frequency of seizure-associated headaches among pediatric patients with epilepsy, and to identify their risk factors with special attention to the anatomic localization of the epileptogenic focus and seizure classification.MethodsPatients with focal and generalized active seizures and on treatment at the time of questionnaire administration were included. Patients were prospectively interviewed by questionnaire as to whether or not they suffered from headaches associated with epileptic seizures.ResultsOf 98 patients (age range: 5–18 years), 34 (34.7%) complained of seizure-associated headaches. In patients with seizure-associated headaches, headache was significantly more frequent (31/74, 41.9%) with partial seizures than with generalized seizures (3/24, 12.5%; p = 0.012). The frequency of seizure attacks was 4.1 times per year in patients with seizure-associated headache and 1.3 times per year in those with non-seizure-associated headache. Of the 34 patients, 20 (58.8%) complained of headache at the frontal region.ConclusionsThe location of headache was not always in agreement with electroencephalographic focus. Headache was more frequent in patients with partial epilepsy and frequent seizures.     

Duration of focal complex,secondarily generalized tonic–clonic,and primarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures — A video-EEG analysis

IntroductionIdentifying seizures with prolonged duration during video-electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring is of importance to inform clinicians when to start emergency treatment of seizures to prevent status epilepticus. The aims of this study were to assess the clinical and EEG seizure duration (SD) in consecutive patients with epilepsy who underwent prolonged video-EEG monitoring and to identify a seizure type-dependent time point to start emergency treatment based on the likelihood that seizures will not stop spontaneously. Furthermore, we sought to determine predictors of SD and explored the relationship between antiepileptic drug (AED) serum levels and SD.Material and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 1796 seizures in 200 patients undergoing video-EEG monitoring between January 2006 and March 2008.ResultsFocal simple seizures lasted significantly shorter (clinical SD: 28 s, EEG SD: 42 s) compared with focal complex seizures (clinical SD: 64 s, EEG SD: 62 s), and both seizure types lasted significantly shorter compared with secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs; clinical SD: 90 s, EEG SD: 96 s). There was no difference between the duration of the convulsive phase of primary GTCSs (defined as nonfocal) and that of secondarily GTCSs (each 65 s). Cumulative clinical SD (99%) was 7 min in focal complex seizures and 11 min in focal simple seizures. Mixed linear regression model demonstrated that history of status epilepticus (P = 0.034), temporal lobe seizure onset (P = 0.040), and MRI lesions (P = 0.013) were significantly associated with logarithmic EEG SD in focal epilepsies recorded with scalp electrodes. We found significant negative correlations between the AED serum level and the EEG SD in patients treated with monotherapy: carbamazepine (P < 0.001), levetiracetam (P = 0.001), oxcarbazepine (P = 0.001), and valproic acid (P = 0.038) but not with lamotrigine monotherapy and EEG SD.DiscussionBased on the results of this study, we propose 2 min of convulsive seizure activity (irrespective of focal or generalized onset) as a prolonged seizure, which could serve as a time point to consider treatment to prevent status epilepticus. In focal complex seizures, we suggest an upper limit of 7 min, and in focal simple seizures 11 min, as definition of prolonged seizures. History of status epilepticus, temporal seizure onset, and lesional MRI findings are factors associated with significantly longer SD. Negative correlations of carbamazepine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and valproic acid serum levels and SD suggest a prolonging effect on seizures during withdrawal of these AEDs during video-EEG monitoring sessions.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Status Epilepticus”.     

Seizure clusters and adverse events during pre-surgical video-EEG monitoring with a slow anti-epileptic drug (AED) taper

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficiency and safety of pre-surgical video-EEG monitoring with a slow anti-epileptic drug (AED) taper and a rescue benzodiazepine protocol.MethodsFifty-four consecutive patients with refractory focal epilepsy who underwent pre-surgical video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring during the year 2010 were included in the study. Time to first seizure, duration of monitoring, incidence of 4-h and 24-h seizure clustering, secondarily generalised tonic–clonic seizures (sGTCS), status epilepticus, falls and cardiac asystole were evaluated.ResultsA total of 190 seizures were recorded. Six (11%) patients had 4-h clusters and 21 (39%) patients had 24-h clusters. While 15 sGTCS were recorded in 14 patients (26%), status epilepticus did not occur and no seizure was complicated with cardiac asystole. Epileptic falls with no significant injuries occurred in three patients. The mean time to first seizure was 3.3 days and the time to conclude video-EEG monitoring averaged 6 days.ConclusionSeizure clustering was common during pre-surgical video-EEG monitoring, although serious adverse events were rare with a slow AED tapering and a rescue benzodiazepine protocol.SignificanceSlow AED taper pre-surgical video-EEG monitoring is fairly safe when performed in a highly specialised and supervised hospital setting.     

Neonatal eating epilepsy: 50-year follow-up

PurposeWe present a case of neonatal eating epilepsy.MethodCase report.ResultsAn otherwise healthy female newborn started having epileptic seizures lasting up to 5 minutes induced by breastfeeding at age of 2 weeks. The convulsive seizure started with crying and coughing followed by opisthotonus, flexion of upper extremities, extension of lower extremities, and generalized jerks in extremities. The patient had fairly often postictal vomitings which could not be relieved by upright positioning. At baseline clinical examination, no abnormal symptoms or signs were found except for a postictal hoarseness. On the day of admission to the tertiary care hospital, during 1.5 hours, she had 10 attacks. Though some attacks were spontaneous and during sleep, most were induced by feeding or — less often and inconsistently — by manipulating the pharynx. Phenobarbital 15 mg four times a day stopped the attacks. The last seizure was documented 14 days after admission and phenobarbitalwas eventually withdrawn. The patient remained seizure free off AEDs during a prospective follow-up for over 50 years until 2013.ConclusionsNeonatal eating epilepsy may be a suitable diagnosis if convulsive seizures are precipitated by feeding or eating. Polygraphic recording will help ascertain the diagnosis. Antiepileptic therapy is likely to abolish seizures.     

Levetiracetam in the treatment of neonatal seizures: A pilot study

PurposeAt present, neonatal seizures are usually treated with Phenobarbital (PB) despite the limited efficacy and the potential risk this treatment holds for the developing brain. We report here a prospective pilot feasibility study on the use of Levetiracetam as monotherapy in the treatment of neonatal seizures.MethodsSix newborns (body weight > 2000 g, gestational age > 30 weeks) presenting with neonatal seizures were enrolled. Patients whose seizures were caused by electrolyte disturbances or hypoglycemia, or whose seizures did respond to pyridoxine were excluded. Patients previously treated with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), with the exception of single PB doses before and during titration, were excluded. LEV was administered orally, increasing the dose by 10 mg/(kg day) over 3 days. Endpoint was the need of any additional AEDs (or PB) after day 3, or 3 months of LEV treatment. A decision regarding further treatment was made on an individual basis and follow-up was documented up to 8 months of age.ResultsNo severe adverse effects were observed. Mild sedation was reported in one infant. All six patients treated with oral LEV became seizure free within 6 days. Five patients remained seizure free after 3 months with ongoing LEV monotherapy. One infant developed pharmacoresistent epilepsy. Seizures relapsed later in the clinical course of two more patients, one of whom was no longer under LEV therapy.DiscussionResults from our small patient group indicate that LEV may be an alternative therapeutic option in neonatal seizures.     

Efficacy of topiramate for intractable childhood generalized epilepsy with epileptic spasms: with special reference to electroencephalographic changes

PurposeEpileptic spasms (ES) beyond infancy are a highly refractory type of seizures that require the development of an effective treatment. We therefore studied the efficacy and safety of topiramate (TPM), which is a drug that is indicated to be effective for intractable childhood epilepsy, for ES.MethodsOut of 58 children with ES, we enrolled 33 patients treated with TPM at ≤12 years of age. The administration of TPM was limited to cases of epilepsies that were resistant to any other potent treatment. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of TPM for seizures and changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.ResultsThe median age at the start of TPM treatment was 5 years, 8 months. All patients had ES and 28 also had tonic seizures. As for the efficacy of TPM for all seizures, five patients became seizure-free and two had a ≥50% reduction in seizures. Seizure aggravation was observed in six patients. Of 29 patients whose EEG findings were compared before and during TPM treatment, nine showed EEG improvement with reduced epileptic discharges. Adverse effects were observed in 13 patients and included somnolence, anorexia, and irritability. In general, TPM was well tolerated.ConclusionsTPM can be effective at suppressing very intractable ES in a proportion of patients who do not respond to any other treatment. The efficacy of TPM may be predictable based on EEG changes observed early in the course of treatment. TPM is promising for the treatment of extremely intractable childhood epilepsy and it has largely tolerable adverse effects.     

Rufinamide for refractory focal seizures: An open-label,multicenter European study

PurposeThe present study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of rufinamide as adjunctive drug for the treatment of a large series of children, adolescents and adults with refractory cryptogenic or symptomatic focal epilepsy.MethodsPatients were recruited in a prospective, add-on, open-label treatment study from six Italian and one German centers for pediatric and adolescent epilepsy care. Inclusion criteria were: (1) age 3 years or more; (2) diagnosis of cryptogenic or symptomatic focal epilepsy refractory to at least three previous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), alone or in combination; (3) more than one seizure per month in the last 6 months; (4) use of at least one other AED, but no more than three, at baseline; (5) informed consent from parents and/or caregivers.ResultsSixty-eight patients (40 males, 28 females), aged between 3 and 63 years (mean 19.9 years, median 16.0) ± SD 12.58, with cryptogenic (28 pts, 41.2%) or symptomatic focal epilepsy (40 pts, 58.8%), were recruited in the study. After a mean follow-up period of 10.4 ± 10.29 months, twenty-two patients (32.3%) had a 50–99% seizure reduction, and none became seizure-free. Twelve patients (17.6%) had a 25–49% seizure decrease, while in 30 (44.1%) seizure frequency was unchanged. A seizure worsening was reported in 5 patients (7.3%). A better response to rufinamide occurred in frontal lobe seizures (51.6%) and secondary generalized tonic–clonic seizures (50%).ConclusionRufinamide was effective against focal-onset seizures, particularly in the treatment of secondary generalized frontal lobe seizures.     

Comparison between febrile and afebrile seizures associated with mild rotavirus gastroenteritis

PurposeWe aimed on identifying the differences of febrile and afebrile seizures associated with mild rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in the pediatric population.MethodMedical charts of pediatric patients who had been admitted between July 1999 and June 2011 due to RVGE were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects were ultimately divided into three groups; ‘no seizure’ (NS: patients without seizure), ‘febrile seizure’ (FS: patients with fever during seizure), ‘afebrile seizure’ (AFS: patients without fever during seizure). Comparisons between groups were carried out on demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, electroencephalogram findings, brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, antiepileptic treatment, and prognosis.ResultsAmong the 755 subjects who had been admitted due to mild rotavirus enteritis, 696 (90.3%) did not have any seizures, 17 (2.2%) had febrile seizures, 42 (5.5%) had afebrile seizures. The duration of gastrointestinal symptoms before the onset of seizures were significantly shorter in the FS group compared to the AFS group (1.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 1.0 days; p < 0.0001). A single seizure attack was significantly higher in the AFS group (3.0 ± 1.6 vs. 1.7 ± 1.0 episodes; p = 0.0003), and the frequency of seizures that were of focal type with or without secondary generalization were significantly higher in the AFS group (33.3% vs. 6.0%; p = 0.0139). All patients among the FS and AFS group had not received further antiepileptic treatment after discharge, and none developed epilepsy during follow up period.ConclusionDespite some differences in seizure characteristics, both febrile and afebrile seizures associated with mild RVGE were mostly benign with a favorable prognosis.     

A two-year retrospective evaluation of perampanel in patients with highly drug-resistant epilepsy and cognitive impairment

PurposeThe objective of this work was to review systematically the efficacy and tolerability of perampanel (PER) in residential patients of an epilepsy center.MethodWe adopted an industry-independent noninterventional retrospective evaluation on the basis of the paper and electronic records complemented by personal information on the part of the treating neurologists. All patients (N = 26, 15 females, mean age: 30, range 21–55 years) started on PER from its introduction to the market in September 2012 until December 15th 2013 were included. Evaluation was carried out after 6, 12, and 24 months of PER treatment. Changes in seizure frequency were calculated as the number of seizures during three months on PER compared to a three-month baseline period. The Clinical Global Impression Scale served as an instrument to record changes in seizure intensity beyond numerical values. Adverse effects were documented by means of the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile.ResultsMost patients had structural or metabolic epilepsy, 2 patients suffered from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 2 from other symptomatic generalized epilepsy. All patients had grade III drug-resistant epilepsy. All patients had additional cognitive deficits of different degree.The retention rates were 61.5% after 6 months, 46.2% after 12 months, and 42.3% after 24 months. The responder rates were 11.5% after 6 months, 23.1% after 12 months, and 7.7% after 24 months. Partial responders (positive CGI and/or seizure reduction < 50%) included, the respective values were 26.9%, 38.5%, and 23.1%. Only 1 patient was seizure free at 12 months (but not at 24 months). A loss of efficacy in the second year of treatment was suspected but the decrease of the responder rate could also be ascribed to a number of different circumstances. Adverse effects in the psychiatric field like irritability, aggression, increased sensitivity, and suicidal ideation/behavior occurred in 50% of the patients. They were the main reason to discontinue PER.ConclusionsAfter one year of treatment PER showed reasonable efficacy in a particularly difficult-to-treat population. Psychiatric adverse effects forced discontinuation in many cases.     

Prevalence of epilepsy in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis

IntroductionEpilepsy prevalence is 0.27–1.7% in general population. However, higher figures have been reported in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, suggesting this association is not coincidental.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of MS patients seen between 2009 and 2012 at Pontificia Universidad Católica of Chile's Multiple Sclerosis Center.ResultsOf 310 MS patients, ten had the diagnosis of epilepsy (3.2%). These patients were younger, and had an earlier onset of symptoms of MS compared to the group without epilepsy (32 vs. 40 years, p = 0.04 and 25 vs. 32 years, p = 0.02, respectively). In 4 patients, seizures were the first MS symptom and the most frequent seizure type was partial secondary generalized (6 patients). MRI showed cortical lesions in all patients. Patients with poor epilepsy control (frequent seizures or development of status epilepticus) had lower brain volumes and worse cognitive performance. All patients received antiepileptic drugs as well as immunomodulatory therapy.ConclusionPatients with epilepsy and MS are younger and have an earlier onset of symptoms. Since most seizures were partial, the presence of cortical lesions and progressive brain atrophy could probably be the pathophysiological mechanism underlying this association.     

Occipital seizures induced by Intermittent Photic Stimulation in Dravet syndrome

PurposeDravet syndrome (DS) is a rare disorder with seizure onset in the first year of life, typically beginning with prolonged febrile hemiclonic seizures or generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Photosensitivity is reported in more than 40% of patients. We present two cases of DS in which we had the chance to record occipital seizures induced by Intermittent Photic Stimulation (IPS).MethodWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 children affected by DS. All clinical notes were reviewed in order to evaluate the occurrence of seizures induced by IPS.ResultsAmong the 32 reviewed clinical records, two patients with IPS-induced seizures were found. In both patients seizures originated from the occipital-temporal region. Clinical history was characterized by generalized tonic–clonic seizures, and myoclonia. At the age respectively of 11 months and 20 months they presented a prolonged focal seizure induced by IPS at a frequency of 10 Hz. During the follow-up they additionally presented with hypomotor seizures, also induced by IPS during laboratory EEG examinations. The semiology of hypomotor seizures resembled what is described as “complex partial status”, a type of non-convulsive status with ictal discharges arising unilaterally from the occipito-temporal region.ConclusionBased on available literature, IPS induced occipital seizures have not been reported during the first year of life. Although pathophysiological features are not yet completely understood, both photosensitivity and occipital seizures should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation in DS. The documentation of IPS induced occipital seizures might contribute to widen the clinical and neurophysiological spectra of DS.     

Nonintravenous midazolam versus intravenous or rectal diazepam for the treatment of early status epilepticus: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundPrompt treatment of status epilepticus (SE) is associated with better outcomes. Rectal diazepam (DZP) and nonintravenous (non-IV) midazolam (MDZ) are often used in the treatment of early SE instead of intravenous applications. The aim of this review was to determine if nonintravenous MDZ is as effective and safe as intravenous or rectal DZP in terminating early SE seizures in children and adults.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov, and MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials comparing non-IV MDZ with DZP (by any route) in patients (all ages) with early SE defined either as seizures lasting > 5 min or as seizures at arrival in the emergency department. The following outcomes were assessed: clinical seizure cessation within 15 min of drug administration, serious adverse effects, time interval to drug administration, and time from arrival in the emergency department to seizure cessation. Outcomes were assessed using a random-effects Mantel–Haenszel meta-analysis to calculate risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR) and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsNineteen studies with 1933 seizures in 1602 patients (some trials included patients with more than one seizure) were included. One thousand five hundred seventy-three patients were younger than 16 years. For seizure cessation, non-IV MDZ was as effective as DZP (any route) (1933 seizures; RR: 1.03; 95% CIs: 0.98 to 1.08). No difference in adverse effects was found between non-IM MDZ and DZP by any route (1933 seizures; RR: 0.87; 95% CIs: 0.50 to 1.50). Time interval between arrival and seizure cessation was significantly shorter with non-IV MDZ by any route than with DZP by any route (338 seizures; mean difference: − 3.67 min; 95% CIs: − 5.98 to − 1.36); a similar result was found for time from arrival to drug administration (348 seizures; mean difference: − 3.56 min; 95% CIs: − 5.00 to − 2.11). A minimal difference was found for time interval from drug administration to clinical seizure cessation, which was shorter for DZP by any route than for non-IV MDZ by any route (812 seizures; mean difference: 0.56 min; 95% CIs: 0.15 to 0.98 min). Not all studies reported information on time intervals. Comparison by each way of administration failed to find a significant difference in terms of clinical seizure cessation and occurrence of adverse effects. The only exception was the comparison between buccal MDZ and rectal DZP, where MDZ was more effective than rectal DZP in terminating SE but only when results were expressed as OR (769 seizures; OR: 1.78; 95% CIs: 1.11 to 2.85; RR: 1.15; 95% CIs: 0.85 to 1.54). Only one study was entirely conducted in an adult population (21 patients, aged 31 to 69 years), showing no difference in efficacy or time to seizure cessation after drug administration between intranasal MDZ and rectal DZP.ConclusionsNon-IV MDZ is as effective and safe as intravenous or rectal DZP in terminating early SE in children and probably also in adults. Times from arrival in the emergency department to drug administration and to seizure cessation are shorter with non-IV MDZ than with intravenous or rectal DZP, but this does not necessarily result in higher seizure control. An exception may be the buccal MDZ, which, besides being socially more acceptable and easier to administer, might also have a higher efficacy than rectal DZP in seizure control.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Status Epilepticus.     

Marijuana use in adults admitted to a Canadian epilepsy monitoring unit

ObjectivesEpidemiologic evidence supporting antiseizure properties of cannabis is limited and controversial. We determined the prevalence of marijuana use and its perceived effects in patients with and without epilepsy.MethodsInformation was collected over 14 months from consecutive adult patients admitted to an epilepsy monitoring unit using a 27-item anonymous questionnaire. Patients with cognitive impairment unable to understand the questions or give informed consent and readmissions were not recruited. Subjects were divided into 4 groups, those with epileptic seizures, those with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), those with both epileptic and PNES, and those with other nonepileptic events. Patients with exclusively epileptic seizures were compared with those with exclusively PNES.ResultsFrom 310 patients, 18 undiagnosed cases were excluded leaving a cohort of 292 patients with median age 35 (range: 27–49) years; 57.2% female. Epilepsy was documented in 190 (65.1%), PNES in 64 (21.9%), and both types of seizures in 26 (8.9%). Median duration of seizure disorder was longer (2 [1–9] vs. 13 [5.7–25] years; p < 0.001) and seizure frequency lower (daily or weekly in 62.3% vs. 44.9%; p = 0.03) in patients with epilepsy compared with those in patients with PNES. Overall, 166 (57%) had tried marijuana, and 36.2% used it over the past year. Utilization was 57.1% in sole epilepsy and 64.1% in sole PNES, but daily use was more likely in epilepsy (59% vs. 33.3%). Estimated mean dose was 1 g/day. Marijuana use was associated with tobacco smoking (p < 0.001) but not alcohol use. Eight patients used other street drugs. Improvement in seizures was perceived by 84% in those with epilepsy and 72.7% in those with PNES. In the 2 groups, stress was decreased in 84.9% and 88%, sleep improved in 77.3% and 88%, and memory/concentration was better in 32% and 28%, respectively. Antiepileptic drug side effects were decreased in 53.2% of marijuana users. Perceived effect on epileptic seizures correlated with effect on stress (r = 0.35, p = 0.004). Adverse effects of marijuana were mild and reported in 30.7% but included possible seizure precipitation in 5 patients with epilepsy.SignificancePatients with uncontrolled epilepsy or nonepileptic events had a high rate of marijuana use with associated perceived improvements in seizure control, stress, sleep, and drug side effects. Stress reduction may contribute to the perceived impact of marijuana on seizures and nonepileptic events in adults.     

Significance of seizure in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

PurposeTo report the frequency and predictors of presenting seizures in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and their influence on seizure recurrence and outcome.MethodsThis retrospective study, between 1995 and 2011, included 90 consecutive patients with CVST diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Clinical parameters like frequency, type (presenting, early, and late), and duration of seizures, precipitating causes of CVST, and underlying prothrombotic conditions, were recorded. The location of infarction on MRI and the number of sinuses involved on MRV, were noted. The patients were prescribed anticoagulants, and those with seizures were prescribed antiepileptic drugs. The patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months. The functional outcome at 6 months was categorized into death, poor, partial and complete recovery.ResultsA total of 42 patients with CVST presented with seizures (focal 11, focal with secondary generalized 19, and generalized tonic clonic 16), of whom 10 had status epilepticus. On univariate analysis, supratentorial lesion (P = 0.005), frontal (P = 0.02) or parietal lobe (P = 0.04) involvement and haemorrhagic lesion (P = 0.002) were associated with higher risk of presenting seizure. On multivariate analysis, only supratentorial parenchymal lesion on MRI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–15.08, P = 0.005) was independently associated with higher risk of presenting seizure. Only 4 patients had early seizures and none had late seizures. At 6 months, 10 patients died and 73 patients had complete recovery. Seizures were not associated with death (P = 1.00) and 6-month functional outcome (P = 0.66).ConclusionAbout half the patients with CVST had presenting seizures which was independently related to supratentorial lesion. However, seizures were not related to death or 6-month outcome.     

Surgical versus conservative treatment in patients with cerebral cavernomas and non refractory epilepsy

PurposeThe optimal therapy of patients with cerebral cavernoma (CCs) and new onset epilepsy, sporadic seizures, or non well established refractory epilepsy is still not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of seizures in patients with CCs both operated and non operated, in order to obtain more information on the correct management of these patients.Materials and methodsWe studied retrospectively 43 patients with non refractory epilepsy secondary to CCs. Twenty-six of them (60.5%) underwent surgery and made up the surgical group, and 17 patients were treated medically and constituted the medical group. Seizure frequency and other clinical variables were compared between both groups.ResultsAt two years, out of the 26 operated patients, 19 (73%) remained seizure free, 4 (15%) had less than a seizure per month, and one patient (4%) had more than one seizure per month. At five years, 15 patients of the surgical group remained for analysis. Of them, 11 (73.3%) were seizure free, and 4 (26.7%) had less than one seizure a month. In the medical group, 12 out of 17 patients were seizure free (70.6%). There were no significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.2 and p = 0.3, respectively). Seven patients had postoperative neurological sequelae.ConclusionSurgical treatment of patients with non refractory epilepsy due to CCs did not significantly reduce the likelihood of seizures when compared to medical treatment. It must also be considered that surgery carries serious risks. A prospective and randomized study must be carried out to further clarify our findings.     

Comparison of pediatric patients with status epilepticus lasting 5–29 min versus ≥ 30 min

The most common thresholds for considering prolonged seizures as status epilepticus (SE) are 5 and 30 min. It is unknown whether these different thresholds (5 or 30 min) identify patient populations with different electroclinical characteristics. We compared the characteristics of patients with SE lasting 5–29 min (SE_5–29) with those with SE lasting ≥ 30 min (SE_≥ 30). Inclusion criteria were the following: 1) 1 month to 21 years of age at the time of SE, 2) convulsive seizures, and 3) seizure duration ≥ 5 min. Exclusion criteria were the following: 1) exclusively neonatal seizures, 2) psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, or 3) incomplete information about seizure duration. Four hundred forty-five patients (50.1% male) with a median (p₂₅–p₇₅) age at SE of 5.5 (2.8–10.5) years were enrolled. Status epilepticus lasted for 5–29 min in 296 (66.5%) of subjects and for ≥ 30 min in 149 (33.5%). Patients with SE_≥ 30 were younger than the patients with SE_5–29 at the time of seizure onset (median: 1 versus 2.1 years, p = 0.0007). Status epilepticus as the first seizure presentation was more frequent in patients with SE_≥ 30 (24.2% versus 12.2%, p = 0.002). There was a tendency towards a higher rate of abnormalities in the magnetic resonance imaging at baseline in patients with SE_≥ 30 (70.5% versus 57.1%, p = 0.061). Differences were not detected in seizure frequency, seizure types, presence of developmental delay, and electroencephalogram abnormalities at baseline. In the pediatric population, SE thresholds of either 5 or 30 min identify groups of patients with very similar electroclinical characteristics, which may influence future definitions of pediatric SE.     

Quality of life,mood and seizure control in patients with brain tumor related epilepsy treated with lacosamide as add-on therapy: A prospective explorative study with a historical control group

ObjectiveBrain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is often drug resistant and patients can be forced to take polytherapy that can adversely affect their quality of life (QoL). Lacosamide (LCM) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) used as adjunctive therapy in patients with partial seizures with or without secondary generalization, with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile that seems to be effective and well tolerated.Therefore it represents a possible therapeutic choice for patients with BTRE. We propose a prospective study with a historical control group to evaluate the effect of LCM as add-on therapy on seizure control and quality of life in patients with BTRE. This study has been designed to test the superiority of Lacosamide over Levetiracetam as an add-on. We compared a prospective cohort of 25 patients treated with Lacosamide with a historical control group (n = 19) treated with Levetiracetam as an add-on.MethodsWe recruited 25 adult patients (M 18, F 7; mean age 41.9) affected by BTRE with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures treated with AED polytherapy. We added LCM as an add-on. Patients were evaluated at baseline, after 3 months and at 6 months.This population has been compared with a historical control group of 19 BTRE adult patients (M 13, F 6; median age 48.0, range: 28–70) with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures treated with LEV as add-on.The patients underwent QoL, mood and adverse events tests (Adverse Event Profile-AEP) and evaluation of seizure frequency.ResultsTwelve patients had high grade gliomas, and thirteen had low grade gliomas. During follow-up, thirteen patients underwent chemotherapy, three radiotherapy and five patients had disease progression. Nine patients had simple partial seizures, eight had complex partial seizures, and eight had secondary generalized seizures. Fifteen patients were in monotherapy and ten in polytherapy with AEDs. LCM was added up to reach the maximum dosage of 400 mg/die (mean final dose 300 mg/die). Four patients dropped out due to poor compliance and 1 for inefficacy.In the historical control group treated with LEV (mean final dose 2000 mg/die) 12 patients had high-grade gliomas, and 7 had low grade gliomas. Thirteen patients were in monotherapy and 6 in polytherapy with AEDs.In the 22 patients evaluable of 25 patients treated with LCM, we observed at final follow-up 7 patients seizure free, 12 with a significant reduction of seizures ≥ 50%, 2 stable and 1 patient with number of seizures increased.Mean seizure frequency at baseline compared with baseline period: the mean number of seizures significantly decreased from baseline (9.4) to final follow-up (1.2) (P = 0.005). The Responder Rate was 86.4%.Comparing responder rate of 22 evaluable patients with LCM with responder rate of 19 patients with LEV we didn't observe significant differences (p = 0.31).In our patients treated with LCM we didn't observe significant difference at 3 and 6 months in QoL tests results; we observe a significant reduction in the mean score of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and Barthel Index (BI) between baseline and 6 months of follow-up (KPS p = 0.003; BI p = 0.007).No clinical side effects were observed.ConclusionComparing the LCM with the historical group treated with LEV in add-on, we observed that LCM seems to have a higher clinical efficacy than LEV.In our patients, we did not observe any significant changes in QoL tests, indicating stability in all quality of life domains explored, despite the objective worsening in their functional status. Although this is a small series with a relatively short follow-up, our data indicates that LCM in add-on in patients with BTRE appears to be as effective as LEV in add-on, without impact on mood and quality of life.