Ictal fear auras after selective amygdalohippocampectomy: the use of ictal SPECT and scalp EEG in the presurgical reevaluation

The perception of fear aura in complex partial seizures is linked to epileptic discharges within mesial temporal lobe structures. Although selective amygdalohippocampectomy often leads to favorable seizure control, persistence of fear auras after surgery can hamper quality of life significantly. We describe two patients with persistent fear auras after selective amygdalohippocampectomy who had to be reevaluated for a second operative procedure. In one patient, ictal SPECT revealed focal hyperperfusion within the left temporal pole. In the other patient, localization of the focus was possible with ictal scalp EEG, which revealed closely time-related focal theta activity in the right frontotemporal electrodes. Both patients underwent a second surgery leading to complete remission. The persistence of fear auras after selective amygdalohippocampectomy provides an example of involvement of a complex neuronal network in the generation of this emotional state during mesiotemporal lobe seizures. Ictal SPECT or ictal scalp EEG may be valuable in identifying the involved areas and in guiding the surgeon to render these patients seizure free.     

Pharyngeal Dysesthesias as an Aura in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Associated with Amygdalar Pathology

PURPOSE: Pharyngeal dysesthetic auras are typically described with centrotemporal and opercular seizure-onset localizations. In this report we describe the fourth case in literature with temporal lobe seizures, apparently secondary to an amygdalar lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), presenting with prominent pharyngeal dysesthesias as the initial, or only, seizure manifestation. METHODS: Because of diagnostic uncertainty regarding the nature of the pharyngeal sensations, our case underwent prolonged extracranial video-EEG monitoring. RESULTS: Video-EEG information documented the epileptic origin of the dysesthesias and was concordant with the side and location of the amygdalar lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Pharyngeal dysesthetic auras may be produced by epileptic activity originating from the amygdala, and perhaps other mediotemporal structures. The underlying topography of this aura is not known with certainty, and it may reflect seizure spread from the amygdala and adjacent areas to the closely interconnected insular and opercular cortex, whose secondary activation could elicit similar sensations.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

Ictal brain hemodynamics in the epileptic focus caused by a brain tumor using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we were able to observe, in detail, ictal brain hemodynamics during epileptic seizure caused by a brain tumor. A 53-year-old man was experencing partial motor seizures of the left side of his face and neck. In a brain MR image a mass lesion was found in the subcortical area of the right frontal lobe. We found focal spikes in his right hemisphere, though dominantly in C4 and T4 regions. fMRI investigations were carried out at 1.5 T (GE Signa Horizon) using gradient-echo echo-planar neuroimaging. We were able to perform the ictal examination twice. The activated regions were focalized and clearly found only on the lateral side of the tumor base. The region was in agreement with the epileptic focus examined using an electrocorticogram (ECOG). The signal intensity in the seizure focus rapidly increased 30 seconds before the convulsion was observed. After the end of the convulsion it also took 30 seconds to restore the signal intensity to the baseline value. fMRI is a very useful tool for various studies such as the identification of the epileptic focus, the mechanism of epileptic seizure, and so on.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

癫(癎)患者先兆症状的研究

目的 探讨癫(癎)患者先兆症状的发生比例、临床表现,为正确诊断治疗癫(癎)提供依据.方法 回顾性研究1028例癫(癎)患者的临床资料,分析癫(癎)患者的先兆发生率、临床表现、脑电图和神经影像学结果.比较伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的发病年龄、性别、脑电图、神经影像学的差异以及腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现比例的差异.结果 部分性癫(癎)725例,484例(66.8 % )出现先兆;全面性发作者303例,无一例患者出现先兆.64例患者出现2种或2种以上的先兆表现;14例出现持续性先兆的癫(癎)患者.1028例患者中脑电图异常547例(53.2 % ),影像学异常217例(21.1 % ).484例有先兆症状的患者中286例脑电图异常(59.1 % ),126例(26.0 % )影像学异常.伴或不伴先兆的部分性发作癫(癎)患者的首次发病年龄差异无统计学意义,腹部先兆在颞叶内外侧癫(癎)出现的比例差异有统计学意义(x2=170.877,P<0.01).结论 癫(癎)患者先兆症状多样,分析先兆症状对于癫(癎)分型、病灶定位以及合理治疗有指导意义.     

Iron-induced experimental cortical seizures: Electroencephalographic mapping of seizure spread in the subcortical brain areas

The iron-induced model of post-traumatic chronic focal epilepsy in rats was studied by depth-electrode mapping to investigate the spread of epileptiform activity into subcortical brain structures after its onset in the cortical epileptic focus. Electrical seizure activity was recorded in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas, amygdala and caudate-putamen, in rats with iron-induced chronic cortical focal epilepsy. These experiments showed that the epileptiform activity with its onset in the cortical focus synchronously propagated into the studied subcortical brain areas. Seizure behaviours seemed to increase in correspondence with the spread of the epileptic electrographic activity in subcortical areas. Comparison of the cortical focus electroencephalographic and associated multiple-unit action potential recordings with those from the subcortical structures showed that the occurrence and evolution of the epileptiform activity in the subcortical structures were in parallel with that in the cortical focus. The intracerebral anatomic progression and delineation of seizure spread (mapped by field potential (EEG) and multiple-unit action potentials (MUA) recordings) indicated participation of these regions in the generalization of seizure activity in this model of epilepsy. The seizure-induced activation of the hippocampus appeared to evolve into an epileptic focus independent of the cortical focus. The present study demonstrates the propagation of epileptic activity from the cortical focus into the limbic and basal ganglia regions. Treatment of iron-induced epileptic rats with ethosuximide, an anti-absence drug, resulted in suppression of the epileptiform activity in the cortical focus as well as in the subcortical brain areas.     

Localizing and lateralizing features of auras and seizures

The symptomatology of auras and seizures is a reflection of activation of specific parts of the brain by the ictal discharge, the location and extent of which represent the symptomatogenic zone. The symptomatogenic zone is presumably, though not necessarily, in close proximity to the epileptogenic zone, the area responsible for seizure generation, the complete removal or disconnection of which is necessary for seizure freedom. Knowledge about the symptomatogenic zone in focal epilepsy is acquired through careful video/EEG monitoring and behavioral correlation of seizures and electrical stimulation studies. Ictal symptomatogy provides important lateralizing and/or localizing information in the presurgical assessment of epilepsy surgery candidates. As the initial symptoms of epileptic seizures, many types of auras have highly significant localizing or lateralizing value. Similarly, motor signs during focal and secondary generalized seizures, language manifestations, and autonomic features offer reliable clues to the delineation of the epileptogenic zone. Some focal epilepsies (e.g., neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy, insular lobe epilepsy, temporal-plus epilepsies, and parieto-occipital lobe epilepsy) generate seizure manifestations that mimic temporal lobe epilepsy, potentially contributing to surgical failure. To optimize surgical outcome, careful interpretation of ictal symptomatology in conjunction with other components of the presurgical evaluation is required.     

短暂性癫痫性遗忘的临床和电生理研究(附6例报告)

目的探讨短暂性癫痫性遗忘(TEA)的临床和电生理特点。方法对本院脑电监测中心收治的6例TEA患者的临床和电生理特点进行研究。结果 6例患者,女性4例,男性2例,年龄34~74岁。除有癫痫性遗忘发作外,还伴有自动症、部分继发全面强直阵挛发作(s GTCS)、"愣神"等其他癫痫发作形式,5例患者的脑电图均为颞导(单侧或双侧)痫样放电,1例正常。其中5例均给予抗癫痫药物治疗,随访1 y,3例无临床发作,2例偶有发作。结论 TEA常常被误诊或漏诊,尽管大多数颞叶癫痫为难治性癫痫,我们的研究提示伴有TEA的颞叶癫痫对抗癫痫药物反应良好。     

Influence of Epilepsy and Temporal Lobe Resection on Olfactory Function

Summary: Olfactory auras accompany some cases of epilepsy. Several aspects of olfactory function, including sensitivity, also may be altered. We reviewed the literature on these topics, as well as studies evaluating the influences of temporal lobe resection and other seizure management procedures on olfactory function. We concluded that: (a) despite several studies, the prevalence of olfactory auras in epilepsy is unknown, with estimates ranging from <1% to >30%; (b) epilepsy appears to cause a generalized decrease in olfactory functioning, although increased sensitivity may occur in some epileptic patients at some time in the preictal period; (c) other sensory modalities are also affected by the epileptic process which, in some cases, involve limbic-related temporal lobe structures; (d) many of the olfactory deficits previously attrib-uted to temporal lobe resection actually exist preoperatively; (e) a tastehlavor confusion exists in the reporting of taste auras; (0 unpleasant auras are associated with hyperresponsiveness of neurons, which may explain why most epilepsy-related olfactory auras are described as "bad"; and (g) interesting parallels exist between the effects of the neuroendocrine system on seizure activity and olfactory function.     

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: recognition and approaches to care

The term “developmental and epileptic encephalopathy” (DEE) refers to when cognitive functions are influenced by both seizure and interictal epileptiform activity and the neurobiological process behind the epilepsy. Many DEEs are related to gene variants and the onset is typically during early childhood. In this setting, neurocognition, whilst not improved by seizure control, may benefit from some precision therapies. In patients with non‐progressive diseases with cognitive impairment and co‐existing epilepsy, in whom the epileptiform activity does not affect or has minimal effect on function, the term “developmental encephalopathy” (DE) can be used. In contrast, for those patients with direct impact on cognition due to epileptic or epileptiform activity, the term “epileptic encephalopathy” (EE) is preferred, as most can revert to their normal or near normal baseline cognitive state with appropriate intervention. These children need aggressive treatment. Clinicians must tailor care towards individual needs and realistic expectations for each affected person; those with DE are unlikely to gain from aggressive antiseizure medication whilst those with EE will gain. Patients with DEE might benefit from a precision medicine approach in order to reduce the overall burden of epilepsy.     

A triad of infantile spasms,nystagmus and a focal tonic seizure

Epileptic spasms represent a subcategory of motor seizures that have been extensively documented and recently re‐classified by the International League Against Epilepsy as either generalized, focal or of unknown onset. Atypical characteristics continue to be reported in case studies, emphasizing the divergent morphological traits and putting into question the underlying aetiopathophysiology. Here, we report the findings of an infant with a triad of clinical manifestations during a single ictal event, comprising a cluster of epileptic spasms, vertical binocular nystagmus, and a focal tonic seizure. A video recording is presented that enabled clinical data to be correlated with EEG modifications. To date, a focal lesion has not been identified on brain imaging. The co‐occurrence of these ictal paroxysms provides insight into the anatomical localization of seizure onset and complex epileptic networks involved, and challenges the pathophysiological hypothesis for epileptic spasms, implicating cortical‐subcortical dysfunction and the implication of structures deep within the sulcus. Furthermore, the focal components both clinically and electrographically implicate involvement of the frontal eye field in the generation of vertical ictal nystagmus. [Published with video sequence on www.epilepticdisorders.com ].