Risk of recurrence in patients with an unprovoked tonic-clonic seizure and generalized epileptiform discharges on EEG.

OBJECTIVE: The decision to initiate treatment in patients with a first unprovoked seizure remains controversial. Studies have reported a recurrence rate ranging from 21%-50%, but most have included patients with different etiologies, electroencephalography (EEG) findings, and seizure types. This study aimed to determine the risk of recurrence in patients with a first unprovoked generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizure with evidence of generalized spike-wave discharges (GSWDs) on EEG and compare the efficacy of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in preventing recurrence. METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive patients who presented with a single GTC seizure, evidence of GSWDs on EEG, and a follow-up period of at least 1 year. All patients underwent extensive evaluation, including a 3-hour sleep-deprived video-EEG recording and an epilepsy protocol brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment with ASMs was recommended for all patients. The decision regarding the specific ASM to be used was left to the treating physician's discretion. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients with a median age of 19 years were included. A total of 41 patients agreed to be started on an ASM while 16 declined. Seizure recurred in 6 of 41 patients (14.6%) in the treated group compared to 11 of 16 (68.8%) in the untreated group (p = .00006). Valproate was significantly more efficacious than levetiracetam or lamotrigine (p = .04). Of the 15 patients who discontinued ASM treatment after remaining seizure-free for an average of 30 months, 6 (40%) experienced a seizure recurrence. SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with a first unprovoked GTC seizure and evidence of GSWDs on EEG have a high risk of recurrence if left untreated. Valproate is the most efficacious ASM for preventing recurrence in this population. A sizeable proportion of patients can be successfully tapered off medication after a period of seizure freedom. This study provides valuable information for guiding treatment decisions in this patient population.

COVID-19-Associated Acute Asymmetric Hemorrhagic Necrotizing Encephalopathy: A Case Report.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with many neurological complications affecting the central nervous system. Purpose: Our aim was to describe a case of COVID-19 associated with a probable variant of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). Results: A 60-year-old man who presented with a 3-day history of dyspnea, fever, and cough tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Five days following his admission, the patient was intubated secondary to respiratory failure. Following his extubation 16 days later, he was found to have a left-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed hemorrhagic rim-enhancing lesions involving the right thalamus, left hippocampus, and left parahippocampal gyrus. These lesions showed decreased relative cerebral blood flow on MR perfusion and restricted on diffusion-weighted imaging. These neuroimaging findings were consistent with ANE. The left-sided weakness gradually improved over the subsequent weeks. Conclusions: We concluded that COVID-19 can be associated with ANE, a condition believed to be the result of an immune-mediated process with activation of the innate immune system. Future studies must address whether biological drugs targeting the pro-inflammatory cytokines could prevent the development of this condition.

Oral Perampanel for the Treatment of Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus.

A 72-year-old man presented with a super-refractory partial status epilepticus following evacuation of a right subdural hematoma. He failed to respond to treatment with high doses of intravenous valproic acid, Levetiracetam, Lacosamide, Thiopental, and Midazolam. He was given 4 mg of Perampanel orally via nasogastric tube and the dose was rapidly increased to 8 mg after 12 hours with cessation of clinical and electrical seizures. Other antiepileptic drugs were tapered progressively with an excellent clinical outcome.

Direct Medical Cost of Hospitalization for Acute Stroke in Lebanon: A Prospective Incidence-Based Multicenter Cost-of-Illness Study.

Stroke is a major social and health problem posing heavy burden on national economies. We provided detailed financial data on the direct in-hospital cost of acute stroke care in Lebanon and evaluated its drivers. This was an observational, quantitative, prospective, multicenter, incidence-based, bottom-up cost-of-illness study. Medical and billing records of stroke patients admitted to 8 hospitals in Beirut over 1 year were analyzed. Direct medical costs were calculated, and cost drivers were assessed using a multivariable linear regression analysis. In total, 203 stroke patients were included (male: 58%; mean age: 68.8 ± 12.9 years). The direct in-hospital cost for all cases was US$1 413 069 for 2626 days (US$538 per in-hospital day). The average in-hospital cost per stroke patient was US$6961 ± 15 663. Hemorrhagic strokes were the most costly, transient ischemic attack being the least costly. Cost drivers were hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, type of stroke, stroke severity, modified Rankin Scale, third party payer, surgery, and infectious complications. Direct medical cost of acute stroke care represents high financial burden to Lebanese health system. Development of targeted public health policies and primary prevention activities need to take priority to minimize stroke admission in future and to contain this cost.