Postictal Language Dysfunction in Patients with Right or Bilateral Hemispheric Language Localization

Summary: Purpose : As shown previously, when temporal lobe complex partial seizures (TLCPS) originate from the language dominant hemisphere, patients cannot read a test phrase correctly within 60 s of the end of the ictal discharge. We wished to assess whether postictal language testing results discordant with this pattern identified patients with non-left (right hemisphere or mixed) language dominance.
Methods : Since 1988, all patients undergoing video/EEG monitoring at our institution have been given a test phrase to read aloud as soon as a seizure is detected. Inclusion criteria for this study were (a) postictal language testing within 60 s of seizure end for at least one TLCPS, (b) >90% seizure reduction after anterior temporal lobectomy with 2-year minimum follow- follow- up, and (c) language localization by either intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) or direct electrical stimulation of left hemisphere cortex.
Results : Two hundred twenty-four seizures in 64 patients were analyzed. Discordant postictal language patterns were noted in 10 of 11 patients with IAT documented non-left language dominance and in 15 of 53 with left dominance (p = 0.006; sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 71.7%).
Conclusions : Postictal language testing accurately identifies patients with non-left language dominance and may be useful in selecting appropriate patients for IAT.     

Ictal tachycardia: its discriminating potential between temporal and extratemporal seizure foci.

A wide variety of CNS lesions have been associated with changes in heart rate (HR). However, in epileptic patients their value to lateralize seizure onset remains controversial. This study aims to assess if HR changes associated with partial onset seizures could be useful in lateralizing seizure onset. We analysed HR changes on 100 seizures from 38 consecutive patients (mean age: 27.5 years) admitted for video-EEG telemetry monitoring. We evaluated the R-R interval 30 seconds before the seizure onset and 10, 20 and 120 seconds after the onset. We assessed whether there was a correlation between HR changes and seizure type, left/right differences and different semiological components for each seizure. We recorded 100 seizures. Three non-lateralized seizures were excluded from the analysis; 63/97 (65%) had left hemisphere onset, mainly from the temporal lobe (57.7%). The mean baseline HR was 77 beats per minute Ictal tachycardia (HR: > or = 107.06 beats per minute) was detected in 32 seizures, with ictal onset from the mesial temporal lobe structures in 23/32; 16/32 occurred during the first 10 seconds and 16/32 during the next 20 seconds from the seizure onset independently of the site of origin. Among the different semiological components for each seizure, only dystonic posturing and automatism correlated with HR increments. We did not find bradycardia in our series. Ictal tachycardia occurs most frequently with seizures arising from the mesial temporal lobe and it may not reliably predict the lateralization of seizure onset.     

Atypical hemispheric language dominance in left temporal lobe epilepsy as a result of the reorganization of language functions

Hemispheric language dominance, as determined by intracarotid short-acting barbiturate injections (Wada testing), was retrospectively evaluated in 44 right-handed patients with medically intractable left (n=26) or right (n=18) temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Atypical hemispheric language dominance (right or bilateral) was revealed in 13.6% of all patients investigated. A significantly higher rate of deviance from complete left hemisphere dominance was observed in left TLE (23.1%) than in right TLE (0%). Patient age at the time of seizure onset was proven a critical variable affecting atypical speech development in left TLE. The mean patient age at the time of seizure onset in left TLE patients with atypical language representation was 5.61 years, but was 13.13 years in patients with left hemisphere language dominance. Our results strongly support the influential impact of epileptiform activity spreading from the left temporal lobe structures on the reorganization of language functions in patients with early brain injury.     

Focal semiologic and electroencephalographic features in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

PURPOSE: A few reports have described focal electroencephalographic or clinical features or both of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), but without video-EEG documentation. We examined focal clinical and EEG features in patients with JME who underwent video-EEG monitoring. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (nine males and 17 females) who had seizures recorded during video-EEG monitoring were included. Age at seizure onset was 0 to 22 years (mean, 12.3 years), and age at monitoring was 12 to 44 years (mean, 26.5 years). In one patient with left parietooccipital epilepsy, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures developed after resection of the parietal tumor. Two patients had both temporal lobe epilepsy and JME. Videotaped seizures in each patient were analyzed. Interictal and ictal EEG also were analyzed for any focal features. RESULTS: Focal semiologic features were observed in 12 (46%) of 26 patients. Six patients had focal myoclonic seizures, and two had Figure 4 sign: one with version to the left, and another had left version followed by Figure 4 sign, and left arm clonic seizure. Their ictal EEGs were generalized at onset but with a lateralized evolution over the right hemisphere. The patient who had both JME and left parietooccipital epilepsy, right arm clonic seizure, and Figure 4 sign was seen during a generalized EEG seizure. Interictally, one patient had temporal sharp waves, and another had run of spikes in the right frontal region. CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen (54%) of 26 patients with JME exhibited focal semiologic or electroencephalographic features or both. Video-EEG was essential in reaching a correct diagnosis and choosing an appropriate antiepileptic drug regimen.     

Time from ictal subdural EEG seizure onset to clinical seizure onset: an electrocorticographic time factor associated with temporal lobe epileptogenicity

Long-term subdural video/electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring was performed in a series of patients with medically intractable complex partial seizures, in a study of diagnostic accuracy, to test the hypothesis that the time from ictal subdural EEG seizure onset to clinical seizure onset (ECOT) is correlated with temporal lobe epileptogenicity and confirm measures of validity of ECOT for predicting seizure-free outcome following anterior temporal lobectomy and amygdalohippocampectomy (ATL/AH). In 34 patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, subdural EEG monitoring localized the ictal epileptogenic focus to a single temporal lobe. In each patient, ECOT was analysed for correlation with temporal lobe epileptogenicity as measured by seizure interval in hours. Patients in whom ECOT was equal to or less than the mean (i.e. subdural EEG seizure onset preceding clinical seizure onset by at least 11.7 seconds) had a significantly greater likelihood of becoming seizure-free following ATL/AH compared to patients in whom ECOT was greater than the mean (i.e. subdural EEG seizure onset preceding clinical seizure onset by less than 11.7 seconds) (x(2) = 5.78, p<0.05). The validity of ECOT for predicting seizure-free outcome following ATL/AH is confirmed to have sensitivity of 55.0%, specificity of 85.7%, false positive rate of 15.4%, false negative rate of 42.9%, diagnostic value of 84.6% and diagnostic accuracy of 67.6%. In addition, a significant correlation, described by a second order polynomial relationship, was found between the natural exponential function of ECOT and seizure interval [f(x=0.415x(2) -25.554x + 267.036, r= 0.731, df= 32, t =6.05, p<0.001, where f(x)=e(ECOT) and x= seizure interval). This result provides the epileptologist with a quantitative tool capable of predicting seizure interval based on ECOT. The capability of ECOT to predict seizure interval may allow the patient and epileptologist to anticipate future seizure onset based on ECOT, potentially facilitating accurate timing of ictal seizure focus localization techniques and clinical intervention to abort seizure onset using various available central and peripheral nervous system stimulation therapeutic strategies. The results suggest a relationship between ECOT and seizure interval. Fundamental pathophysiologic processes involved in the transition from ictal EEG to clinical seizure onset may be responsible for temporal lobe epileptogenicity.     

Ictal/postictal SPECT in the pre-surgical localisation of complex partial seizures.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) used in conjunction with HM-PAO (Ceretec-Amersham International) was used to image regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in 28 patients with medically intractable complex partial seizures during or soon after a seizure, and interictally. Changes from interictal rCBF were seen in 26/28 (93%) patients. The main findings were; 1) During the seizure--hyperperfusion of the whole temporal lobe; 2) Up to 2m postically--hyperperfusion of the hippocampus with hypoperfusion of lateral temporal structures; 3) From 2-15m postically--hypoperfusion of the whole temporal lobe. When compared with EEG and MRI data, correct localisation to one temporal lobe was obtained in 23 patients. In one further patient bilateral temporal foci, and in a further two patients frontal foci, were correctly identified. There were no disagreements between EEG and SPECT localisation. Temporal lobe surgery was successful (by the criterion of at least 90% reduction in seizure frequency) in all but one of the 23 patients operated on. It is concluded that ictal/postictal SPECT is a reliable technique for the presurgical localisation of complex partial seizures. The data indicate a likely sequence of changes in rCBF during and after complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin.     

Clinical features of neocoritcal temporal lobe epilepsy

Few Studies have examined the clinical features of neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy (NTLE) in carefully selected patients. We reviewed records from 21 patients wtih NTLE, defined by intracranial electroencephal9ogram (EEG), who have been seizure free for 1 year or more following temporal lobectomy. The mean age of onset at the time of first seizure was 14 years (range, 1–41 years). Febrile seizures were reported in only 2 patients (9.5%). In contrast to prior mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) studies, seizure-free intervals between the initial cerebral insult or first seizure and habitual seizures were uncommon. Possible or known risk factors for epilepsy were reported in 13 of 21 patients (62%). Fifteen (71%) patients reproted auras, with experiential phenomena being the most common type. Magnetic resonance imaging was normal or nospecific in 15 patients, revealed mild hippocampal atrophy in 2, tumors in 2, and resonance imaging was normal or nospecifc in 15 patients, revealed mild hippocampal atrophy in 2, tumors in 2, and heterotopic gray matter and hippocampal atrophy in 1, and cortical dysgensis in 1. Neuropsychological testing showed deficits consistent with the seizure focus in 13 patients (62%), and Wada test showed ipsilateral memory deficits in 10 (48%). The most common behavioral manifestatin was a motionless stare at ictal onset (48%). In contrast to prior studies of MTLE, only 1 NTLE patient had frequent independent, contralateral temporal lobe epileptiform spikes on scalp EEG.     

Falsely localizing ictal onsets with depth EEG telemetry during anticonvulsant withdrawal

A patient with partial complex seizures evaluated for surgery with chronic depth electrode recordings demonstrated falsely localizing ictal onsets during anticonvulsant drug withdrawal. When phenytoin was being reduced, more seizures appeared to originate from the left temporal lobe than from the right. Right anterior temporal lobectomy, performed on the basis of other findings, revealed a small unsuspected tumor in the resected specimen, and the patient has remained seizure free for 3 years. The seizures that originated from the left temporal lobe were different from the patient's habitual attacks and appeared to be the result of anticonvulsant withdrawal and, perhaps, electrode irritation. Four other patients who received anterior temporal lobectomies at UCLA between 1977 and 1980 had at least one stereotaxic EEG (SEEG)-recorded contralateral seizure onset, and all have benefited from surgery. Although multifocal SEEG-recorded ictal onsets should be considered a poor prognostic sign, distant sites that give rise to atypical seizures during drug withdrawal may not generate spontaneous seizures postoperatively. Consequently, this finding should not be used as a sole criterion against the recommendation of surgical therapy.     

Interictal and postictal language testing accurately lateralizes language dominant temporal lobe complex partial seizures

PURPOSE: Noninvasive tests that accurately localize seizure onset provide great value in the presurgical evaluation of patients with intractable epilepsy. This study examined the diagnostic utility of three expressive language disturbances in lateralizing language-dominant (DOM) temporal lobe complex partial seizures: (1) the postictal language delay (PILD; time taken to correctly read a test phrase out loud immediately following seizures); (2) the production of postictal phonemic paraphasic errors (PostPE); and (3) interictal phonemic paraphasic errors (InterPE). METHODS: All 60 subjects underwent inpatient video/EEG monitoring and had surgically confirmed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We determined the presence and number of PostPE and, PILD times (in s) for 212 seizures, and InterPE on the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Each technique's diagnostic usefulness was evaluated via logistic regression and ROC curve analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were computed. RESULTS: PILD, PostPE and InterPE production were equally effective and accurate in lateralizing DOM seizure onset. Patients with DOM TLE had a longer PILD and committed more PostPE and InterPE than those with nondominant (NDOM) TLE. Respective sensitivity and specificity values were as follows: PILD (84%, 86%), PostPE (94%, 64%), and InterPE (97%, 86%). No single predictor was significantly better but a combination model yielded enough incremental utility to collectively outperform each separate predictor model. CONCLUSIONS: Interictal language testing is as accurate as postictal language testing in predicting DOM lateralization of TLE. Clinicians should also attend to the quality of errors produced during interictal and postictal language testing.     

The start-stop-start phenomenon in scalp-sphenoidal ictal recordings

The start-stop-start (SSS) phenomenon is an apparent abortive ictal onset separated from the main seizure discharge. It was previously described in seizures recorded with subdural electrodes. We have observed this phenomenon in scalp-sphenoidal ictal recordings as well. We retrospectively reviewed 435 seizures recorded with scalp-sphenoidal electrodes from 61 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. We found SSS onset in 15 seizures of 8 patients, representing 26% of these patients' seizures. The first “start” usually had a narrow field, typically in the sphenoidal electrode. The mean duration of the first “start” was 11 sec and that of the stop 8 sec. The restart had a different morphology and frequency in 87% and had'a wider field in 67% of seizures. The clinical onset followed the first start and preceded the restart in most of the seizures. In 1 patient, 1 seizure with SSS was correctly localized and lateralized, whereas 5 of 7 without SSS were falsely lateralized.The recognition of the SSS phenomenon may improve the accuracy of seizure localization in scalp-sphenoidal recordings.     

Interictal and ictal activity recorded with subdural electrodes during preoperative evaluation for surgical treatment of epilepsy

A total of 94 subdural strip electrodes were implanted in 22 patients during preoperative EEG evaluation for surgery of epilepsy. Eighteen patients had temporal lobe seizure onset, three had frontal lobe seizure onset, and one had occipital lobe seizure onset. Most electrodes (total, 83) were localized over the temporal lobe cortex, but in four cases additional strip electrodes (total, 11) covered the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobe cortexes. The electrodes were left in place for up to 28 days. No complications occurred. Interictally, focal spiking was recorded subtemporally, mostly without being seen in electrodes recording from the lateral temporal cortex. In three patients studied with simultaneous subdural and sphenoidal wire electrodes, spiking recorded from subdural electrodes was often not seen in the sphenoidal recording. There were 151 seizures recorded (with or without simultaneous video monitoring). The mean number of seizures per patient was 6.7 (range, 0–21). The seizures were classified as having focal (80 seizures) or local (71 seizures) onset. It is concluded that subdural electrodes are safe and have a sufficient selectivity with regard to localization of interictal spiking and seizure onset in patients with mesial temporal epileptic lesions. In such cases, electrodes have to be placed subtemporally. Other cortical areas may also be explored with these electrodes.     

Comparison of depth and subdural electrodes in recording temporal lobe seizures

Intracranial EEG recording is often required to identify an area of the brain for resective surgery for intractable epilepsy. We simultaneously compared bilaterally placed depth and limited subdural electrode EEG to determine the most effective method of recording seizures from the temporal lobes. Localized complex partial seizures usually appeared earlier in hippocampal depth electrodes and spread later to subdural recording sites. In 3 patients, hippocampal recordings showed localized seizure origin but subdural recording was nonlocalizing due to rapid bilateral seizure propagation. In 1 patient with nonlocalized seizures presumably of extratemporal origin, subdural electrodes incorrectly lateralized seizure origin to a temporal lobe. Auras and subclinical seizures detected by depth electrode recording were often not evident with subdural electrodes. We conclude that EEG recording with hippocampal depth electrodes correctly identifies and lateralizes temporal lobe seizures more often than with limited subdural electrodes.     

Ictal vomiting in association with left temporal lobe seizures in a left hemisphere language-dominant patient

Ictal vomiting is considered a localizing sign indicating nondominant lateralization in patients with partial seizures of temporal lobe origin. We report a case of ictal vomiting associated with left temporal seizure activity in a left hemisphere language-dominant patient with a left mesial temporal glioma. Bilateral mesial temporal depth electrodes helped verify seizure lateralization. Surgery consisting of tumor resection and a left anterior temporal lobectomy and amygdalohippocampectomy resulted in freedom from seizures and episodes of vomiting. This case indicates that ictal vomiting can occur as a manifestation of left temporal onset seizures in left hemisphere-dominant patients.     

Ictal spitting in left temporal lobe epilepsy: report of three cases.

PURPOSE: Ictal spitting is rarely reported in patients with epilepsy. More often it is observed in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and is presumed to be a lateralizing sign to language nondominant hemisphere. We report three patients with left TLE who had ictal spitting registered during prolonged video-EEG monitoring. METHODS: Medical charts of all patients with medically refractory partial epilepsy submitted to prolonged video-EEG monitoring in the Epilepsy Unit at UNIFESP during a 3-year period were reviewed, in search of reports of ictal spitting. The clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging data of the identified patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 136 patients evaluated with prolonged video-EEG monitoring, three (2.2%) presented spitting automatisms during complex partial seizures. All of them were right-handed, and had clear signs of left hippocampal sclerosis on MRI. In two patients, in all seizures in which ictal spitting was observed, EEG seizure onset was seen in the left temporal lobe. In the third patient, ictal onset with scalp electrodes was observed in the right temporal lobe, but semi-invasive monitoring with foramen ovale electrodes revealed ictal onset in the left temporal lobe, confirming false lateralization in surface records. The three patients became seizure-free following left anterior temporal lobectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Ictal spitting is a rare finding in patients with epilepsy, and may be considered a localizing sign of seizure onset in the temporal lobe. It may be observed in seizures originating from the left temporal lobe, and thus should not be considered a lateralizing sign of nondominant TLE.     

Intractable seizures of frontal lobe origin: clinical characteristics, localizing signs, and results of surgery

PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical characteristics of seizures of frontal lobe (FL) origin with particular emphasis on establishing different categories and determining if these categories had any localizing or lateralizing value. In addition, results of surgery are reported. METHODS: Seizure characteristics were established by historical review and electroencephalographic/videotape analysis of 449 seizures in 26 adult patients with refractory seizures of FL origin. RESULTS: No outstanding risk factor was identified for seizures of FL origin. Seizures were frequent (7.1 per week), brief (mean duration, 48.3 seconds), and had a nocturnal preponderance in 58% of the patients. Status epilepticus was reported in 54%, and generalized convulsions as a prominent seizure type were reported in 26% of patients. The most common reported aura was a nonspecific sensation, often localized to the head (35%). Early forced head and eye deviation was not a consistent lateralizing sign, whereas late head and eye deviation always occurred contralateral to the site of seizure origin. Early asymmetric tonic posturing occurred consistently contralateral to the side of seizure origin. Clinical seizure patterns did not consistently localize to specific regions of the frontal lobe, although there were some noticeable trends: focal clonic seizures were associated with seizure origin in the frontal convexity; tonic seizures were most often associated with origin in the supplementary motor area but also occurred with origin in other parts of the frontal lobe; seizures resembling typical temporal lobe seizures with oroalimentary automatisms were observed with seizure origin in the orbitofrontal region; and seizures with hyperactive, frenetic automatisms were not associated with any specific region within the frontal lobes. Eighty percent of patients had favorable seizure outcome after surgery (class I/II). CONCLUSION: Although certain clinical features are characteristic for seizures of frontal lobe origin and some have lateralizing value, they do not localize to specific areas within the FL. After careful presurgical evaluation, both lesional and nonlesional patients benefit from epilepsy surgery.     

Tonic seizures: their significance for lateralization and frequency in different focal epileptic syndromes

PURPOSE: To determine whether the clinical features of tonic seizures (TSZ) are useful for lateralization of epileptic syndromes and the differential diagnosis of focal epileptic syndromes. METHODS: From a group of 481 patients, 123 patients with TSZ (44 females; mean age, 22.9 years; mean age at onset, 7 years; mean duration of epilepsy, 16 years) were selected. A total of 1595 epileptic seizures, documented during videoelectroencephalographic monitoring, were analyzed. Patients who had had surgery for epilepsy previously were excluded. Seizures were classified using a semiological seizure classification. Epilepsy syndromes were classified using all test data (electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission tomography). Data were compared using chi2 analysis or the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: More patients with TSZ had extratemporal than temporal lobe epilepsies (79% vs. 1.7%; p < 0.0001) among those with an epilepsy localized to one lobe (n = 306). In the 123 patients, TSZ were part of 170 different seizure evolutions. Seizure evolutions began with TSZ as the first seizure type more often in patients with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) compared with patients with parieto-occipital lobe epilepsy (POLE) (40% in POLE vs. 67% in FLE; p < 0.05). In contrast, TSZ in POLE were more likely to be preceded by auras (50% in POLE vs. 26% in FLE; p < 0.05). TSZ were bilateral in 129 (76%) and unilateral in 41 (24%) seizure evolutions. Unilateral TSZ correctly lateralized the epilepsy syndrome to the contralateral hemisphere. CONCLUSION: Analysis of seizure semiology and evolution in patients with TSZ is helpful for differentiating between focal epilepsies of temporal, frontal, and parieto-occipital origin. Unilateral TSZ provide useful information for the lateralization of the epileptic syndrome.     

Prediction of seizure-onset laterality by using Wada memory asymmetries in pediatric epilepsy surgery candidates

PURPOSE: Because the capacity of intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) memory assessment to predict seizure-onset laterality in children has not been thoroughly investigated, three comprehensive epilepsy surgery centers pooled their data and examined Wada memory asymmetries to predict side of seizure onset in children being considered for epilepsy surgery. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two children with intractable epilepsy underwent Wada testing. Although the type and number of memory stimuli and methods varied at each institution, all children were presented with six to 10 items soon after amobarbital injection. After return to neurologic baseline, recognition memory for the stimuli was assessed. Seizure onset was determined by simultaneous video-EEG recordings of multiple seizures. RESULTS: In children with unilateral temporal lobe seizures (n = 87), Wada memory asymmetries accurately predicted seizure laterality to a statistically significant degree. Wada memory asymmetries also correctly predicted side of seizure onset in children with extra-temporal lobe seizures (n = 65). Although individual patient prediction accuracy was statistically significant in temporal lobe cases, onset laterality was incorrectly predicted in < or =52% of children with left temporal lobe seizure onset, depending on the methods and asymmetry criterion used. There also were significant differences between Wada prediction accuracy across the three epilepsy centers. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that Wada memory assessment is useful in predicting side of seizure onset in many children. However, Wada memory asymmetries should be interpreted more cautiously in children than in adults.     

Ictal asystole with convulsive syncope mimicking secondary generalisation: a depth electrode study

Ictal bradycardia is rare and its localising value is debated. Bradyarrhythmias are, however, important because of their potential connection to sudden death and ability to affect clinical seizure manifestations. Cerebral hypoperfusion induces loss of consciousness, at times with myoclonic jerks, whose clinical differentiation from a generalised convulsive seizure may prove difficult.Two invasive and five surface monitored seizures recorded over two years in a 51 year old woman with post-traumatic epilepsy characterised by seizure-triggered asystole were analysed. All seven seizures showed left temporal onset. Both intracranially recorded events started in the left anterior hippocampus/amygdala, spreading to the contralateral hippocampus in 35 and 25 seconds. Within 10 seconds an electrocardiogram showed asystole lasting 21 and 28 seconds, associated with suppression of recorded cerebral electrical activity, except a polyspike suppression pattern remaining in the hippocampi. Clinically, the patient, concomitantly with the cerebral suppression, developed myoclonic twitches of the limbs. A dual chamber cardiac pacemaker was implanted; at 11 months follow up, the patient has experienced only infrequent partial seizures, with none involving falls or shaking.Left temporal lobe seizures produced convulsive syncope initiated by ictal asystole. These observations suggest that intertemporal spread is necessary, though not sufficient, to produce bradycardia and asystole. Furthermore, pacemakers may decrease seizure severity, as well as potentially protect against malignant bradyarrhythmias.     

Contralateral motor automatisms in neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy

BACKGROUND: The lateralizing value of the motor automatisms is generally doubted in most patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. However, subgroup analysis of the seizures of temporal lobe origin suggests a role for motor automatisms in discriminating seizures of neocortical versus mesial temporal lobe origin. METHODS: Video-EEG of a patient with well-defined neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy was reviewed to assess the localizing value of motor automatisms. RESULTS: We report a patient with left upper extremity motor automatisms and clonic movements of the proximal left lower extremity with altered awareness as the sole manifestations of right temporal neocortical seizures. CONCLUSION: Early onset unilateral motor automatisms without dystonic posturing can localize the seizure origin to the contralateral temporal lobe neocortex.     

Right-hemisphere language dominance in right-handed epileptic patients

Hemispheric language dominance, as determined by intracarotid amobarbital sodium injections, and handedness, as reflected by writing and drawing preference, were evaluated in a select group of patients with intractable seizures who had documented focal epilepsy originating from one temporal lobe. Of the patients with left temporal lobe seizure focus, an unusually high percentage of right-handed patients (4/26 [15%]) had right hemisphere language dominance. Pathologic findings of the resected temporal lobe in these patients revealed microscopic damage (hippocampal sclerosis) of the hippocampus in three of three cases; one patient also had a small hamartoma in the midtemporal gyrus. We hypothesize that crossed dominance resulted from disruption by epileptiform activity during early development of selective areas of the left hemisphere.