Utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is widely used in presurgical assessment in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy (DRE) if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scalp electroencephalography (EEG) do not localize the seizure onset zone or are discordant. METHODS: In this multicenter, retrospective observational cohort study, we included consecutive patients with DRE who had undergone FDG-PET as part of their presurgical workup. We assessed the utility of FDG-PET, which was defined as contributing to the decision-making process to refer for resection or intracranial EEG (iEEG) or to conclude surgery was not feasible. RESULTS: We included 951 patients in this study; 479 had temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), 219 extratemporal epilepsy (ETLE), and 253 epilepsy of uncertain lobar origin. FDG-PET showed a distinct hypometabolism in 62% and was concordant with ictal EEG in 74% in TLE and in 56% in ETLE (p < .001). FDG-PET was useful in presurgical decision-making in 396 patients (47%) and most beneficial in TLE compared to ETLE (58% vs. 44%, p = .001). Overall, FDG-PET contributed to recommending resection in 78 cases (20%) and iEEG in 187 cases (47%); in 131 patients (33%), FDG-PET resulted in a conclusion that resection was not feasible. In TLE, seizure-freedom 1 year after surgery did not differ significantly (p = .48) between patients with negative MRI and EEG-PET concordance (n = 30, 65%) and those with positive MRI and concordant EEG (n = 46, 68%). In ETLE, half of patients with negative MRI and EEG-PET concordance and three quarters with positive MRI and concordant EEG were seizure-free postsurgery (n = 5 vs. n = 6, p = .28). SIGNIFICANCE: This is the largest reported cohort of patients with DRE who received presurgical FDG-PET, showing that FDG-PET is a useful diagnostic tool. MRI-negative and MRI-positive cases with concordant FDG-PET results (with either EEG or MRI) had a comparable outcome after surgery. These findings confirm the significance of FDG-PET in presurgical epilepsy diagnostics.

Evaluation of one-year effectiveness of clobazam as an add-on therapy to anticonvulsant monotherapy in participants with epilepsy having uncontrolled seizure episodes: An Indian experience.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively study the effectiveness and safety of clobazam as an add-on therapy in patients with epilepsy whose seizures are not adequately controlled with antiseizure medicine (ASM) monotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study at 28 neurology outpatient clinics in India from June 2017 to October 2019. Consecutive patients with epilepsy (older than 3 years) with inadequate seizure control with ASM monotherapy were initiated on clobazam. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Seizure control and adverse events were assessed through personal interviews and seizure diaries. RESULTS: Out of 475 eligible patients, data of 429 patients (men: 65.5%) were evaluated (46 excluded due to protocol deviations). The median age was 25 (range, 3-80 years) years and the median duration of epilepsy was 3 (0.1-30) years. The majority of patients had focal epilepsy (55.0%) and genetic generalized epilepsy (40.1%). The one-year follow-up was completed by 380 (88.5%) patients. At one-year follow-up, 317 (83.4%; N = 380) patients in the study remained seizure free. These 317 patients who were seizure free at 12 months comprised 73.9% of the evaluable population (N = 429). In 98.8% of patients, the primary reason for adding clobazam was inadequate control of seizures with treatment. During one-year follow-up, a total of 113 (22.6%) patients experienced at least one adverse event which included 103 (20.6%) patients who experienced 386 episodes of seizures. CONCLUSION: The study provides preliminary evidence that clobazam is effective and well-tolerated as add-on therapy for a period of one year among patients with epilepsy inadequately stabilized with monotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2017/12/010906.

Sexual dysfunction in people with epilepsy.

Sexual dysfunction is a common comorbidity in people with epilepsy (PWE) that adversely affects their quality of life. Nearly one-half of men and women with epilepsy have sexual dysfunction, but in the majority, this often goes unnoticed. The wide variation in the reported prevalence of sexual dysfunction in PWE is due to the significant heterogeneity among the studies with regard to patient population, type and severity of epilepsy, number and type of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) used, and the tools used for assessing sexual dysfunction. Generally, patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, longer duration of epilepsy, focal epilepsy, higher seizure frequency, and those receiving enzyme-inducing and multiple ASDs are more likely to have sexual dysfunction. Women generally have dysfunction in the domains of desire, while males usually have arousal disorders such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. There is limited evidence to indicate that sexual function improves in patients rendered seizure-free following epilepsy surgery. Multiple mechanisms including direct effects of epilepsy, effects of ASDs, and psychosocial factors contribute to sexual dysfunction in epilepsy. Circumstantial evidence indicates that seizures and interictal epileptiform discharges can directly affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis as well as production of gonadal steroids. Enzyme-inducing ASDs cause sexual dysfunction by affecting the metabolism of gonadal steroids. Limited data suggest that newer ASDs including oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam cause no or minimal sexual dysfunction. Depression and anxiety significantly contribute to sexual dysfunction in PWE. A multipronged and multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing the sexual functions. Every effort should be made to identify and treat reversible causes including changing to nonenzyme-inducing ASDs and to provide symptomatic relief. Large, prospective studies are required to improve our understanding on prevalence and mechanisms of sexual dysfunction in PWE.

The comparative efficacy of theta burst stimulation or functional electrical stimulation when combined with physical therapy after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To study the long-term effectiveness of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) combined with Physical therapy (PT) as compared to PT alone for improving arm functions in patients with acute stroke. DESIGN:: Single blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING:: Outpatient clinics and inpatient wards at tertiary care neurology center. SUBJECTS:: Adult patients with acute middle cerebral artery territory ischemic stroke. INTERVENTIONS:: 60 patients were randomized into three groups of 20 each: TBS+PT; FES+PT; and PT alone. TBS group received intermittent TBS of ipsilesional hemisphere and continuous TBS of contralesional hemisphere while FES group received FES of paretic limb, both for four weeks. All groups received supervised physical therapy for four weeks followed by home physiotherapy for one year. OUTCOME MEASURES:: Fugl Meyer Assessment upper limb score (FMA-UL) was primary outcome measure. Patients were evaluated at baseline and subsequently at one, three and six months and one year. RESULTS:: Compared to PT group, mean FMA-UL scores were higher in TBS and FES groups at all follow-ups ( P < 0.001). From baseline to one year, mean (SD) FMA-UL scores increased from 14.9(2.1) to 55.55(2.46) in TBS group, 15.5(1.99) to 55.85(2.46) in FES group, and 14.3(2.2) to 43.3(4.22) in PT group indicating an increase of 273%, 260%, and 203% respectively. There was no difference between FES and TBS groups. CONCLUSION:: A four-week intervention with TBS or FES combined with PT produces better long-term arm functions as compared to PT alone in patients with acute stroke.

Two Cases of Hemicrania Continua-Trigeminal Neuralgia Syndrome: Expanding the Spectrum of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia-Tic (TAC-TIC) Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) has been described in association with various primary headache disorders. So far, no case of TN has been reported in association with hemicrania continua (HC). CASE REPORT: Here, we report two patients of hemicrania continua associated with TN (HC-tic syndrome). These patients had both headaches concurrently. Both patients responded to a combination of carbamazepine and indomethacin. The skipping or tapering of carbamazepine led to the recurrence of the neuralgic pain of TN. In the same way, the skipping of indomethacin resulted in the relapse of the pain, typical of HC. CONCLUSION: With these two cases of HC-tic syndrome, we suggest that TN has a special predilection for all types of TACs. Various speculations suggest that such associations are more than a simple coincidence, and both diseases may be causally interrelated. The identification of this association is important as both disorders may need separate drugs.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: To see the interrelation between chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) and serum vitamin D levels. BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested an association between chronic pain and vitamin D deficiency. Anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with tension-type headache and migraine. METHODS: This case-control study was carried out to examine the association between CTTH and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin (25(OH) D) levels. One hundred consecutive adult (>18 years) patients with CTTH and 100 matched healthy controls were enrolled. RESULTS: The serum 25(OH) D levels were significantly lower in CTTH patients than in the controls (14.7 vs 27.4 ng/mL). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25 (OH) D < 20 ng/mL) was greater in patients with CTTH (71% vs 25%). CTTH patients had a significantly high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (79% vs 57%), muscle weakness (29%vs 10%), muscle tenderness score (7.5 vs 1.9), and bone tenderness score (3.0 vs 0.8) in comparison to controls. CTTH patients with vitamin D deficient group (<20 ng/mL) had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (58% vs 31%), muscle weakness (38%vs 7%), muscle and bone tenderness score, associated fatigue (44% vs 17%) and more prolonged course (15.5 months vs 11.2 months). A strong positive correlation was noted between serum vitamin D levels and total muscle tenderness score (R2 = 0. 7365) and total bone tenderness score (R2 = 0. 6293). CONCLUSION: Decreased serum 25(OHD) concentration was associated with CTTH. Intervention studies are required to find out if supplementation of vitamin D is effective in patients with CTTH.

Epidemiology of epilepsy surgery in India.

Epilepsy surgery in India has seen remarkable advances over the last twenty years. Presently 39 centers are undertaking epilepsy surgeries in India on a regular basis. Out of these, 18 centers have become operational in the last five years. Many of them are well equipped with high end technologies and have expertise to undertake all kinds of epilepsy surgeries. Till July 31st, 2016, approximately 7143 epilepsy surgeries have been performed in India. Presently, 734 epilepsy surgeries are carried out in India every year representing an increase of approximately 58% over the last three and a half years as compared to the previous years. The reported postoperative outcomes from all these centers are comparable to those reported from the well-established centers in high income countries. Still, only 2 in 1000 eligible patients In India undergo epilepsy surgery, because of which, the enormous surgical treatment gap continues to persist. To tackle this, by the year 2020, India should have at least 60 state-level epilepsy surgery centers (with each undertaking at least 50 surgeries per year) and 6 national centers of excellence. Here, we discuss the current prevalence and practice of epilepsy surgery in India and suggest pragmatic steps and solutions to make epilepsy surgery affordable and widely available. The steps also include a framework for the development of a national epilepsy surgery program.

Chronic Migraine Responding to Intravenous Thiamine: A Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a risk factor for thiamine deficiency and Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE). WE is a highly underdiagnosed condition. The misdiagnosis is associated more with early or mild WE. The interrelation between migraine and thiamine deficiency is unknown CASE REPORTS: Here, we report two female patients with chronic migraine. During examinations, we also noted clinical signs pertinent with a diagnosis of WE. Both patients had low blood thiamine level. Intravenous thiamine supplementation led to the improvement of both WE and associated headaches. DISCUSSION: Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia of migraine may lead to mild to moderate thiamine deficiency and WE. Review of the literature suggests that WE in early or subclinical form will have nonspecific symptoms that may include frequent headache, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. So, WE in the early stage may simulate migrainous features and this will further aggravate thiamine deficiency and a vicious cycle may be formed, and that will progressively increase the chronicity of headaches and other features. Breaking of this cycle by thiamine supplementation might be a promising therapy in a subset of patients with chronic migraine. CONCLUSION: Thiamine deficiency due to nausea, vomiting and anorexia of migraine may further aggravate migraine like headaches in cyclical pattern.

A Cross-Sectional Clinic-Based Study in Patients With Side-Locked Unilateral Headache and Facial Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake the epidemiological evaluation of the patients presenting with side-locked headache and facial pain in a tertiary neurology outpatient clinic. BACKGROUND: Side-locked unilateral headache and facial pain include a large number of primary and secondary headaches and cranial neuropathies. A diagnostic approach for the patients presenting with strictly unilateral headaches is important as many of these headache disorders respond to a highly selective drug. Epidemiological data may guide us to formulate a proper approach for such patients. However, the literature is sparse on strictly unilateral headache and facial pain. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 307 consecutive adult patients (>18 years) with side-locked headache and facial pain presenting to a neurology outpatient clinic between July 2014 and December 2015. All patients were subjected to MRI brain and other investigations to find out the different secondary causes. The diagnosis was carried out by at least two headache specialists together. All patients were classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorder-third edition (ICHD-3ß). RESULTS: The mean age at the time of examination was 42.4 ± 13.6 years (range 18-80 years). Forty-eight percent of patients were male. Strictly unilateral headaches accounted for 19.2% of the total headaches seen in the clinic. Headaches were classified as primary in 58%, secondary in 18%, and cranial neuropathies and other facial pain in 16% patients. Five percent of patients could not be classified. Three percent of patients were classified as per the Appendix section of ICHD-3ß. The prevalence of secondary headaches and painful cranial neuropathies increased with age. A total of 36 different diagnoses were made. Only two diseases (migraine and cluster headache) had a prevalence of more than 10%. The prevalence of 13 diseases varied between 6 and 9%. The prevalence of other 14 groups was ≤1%. Migraine was the most common diagnosis (15%). Cervicogenic headache was the most common secondary headache. Classical trigeminal neuralgias and persistent idiopathic facial pain were two most common diagnoses in the painful cranial neuropathies and other facial pain groups. Sixty-one percent fulfilled the definition of chronic daily headaches, and hemicrania continua and cervicogenic headache were the two most common diagnoses in this group. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of primary and secondary headaches and cranial neuropathies may present as side-locked headache and facial pain syndromes. Therefore, a sound knowledge of diagnostic approach is required for the optimal management of side locked headaches and facial pain.

Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures in viral encephalitis.

BACKGROUND: Viral encephalitis is characterised by diverse clinical and epidemiological features. Seizures are an important clinical manifestation and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Patients may have seizures during the acute illness or they may develop after recovery. There are no recommendations regarding the use of antiepileptic drugs for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures in patients with viral encephalitis.This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 10. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of seizures in viral encephalitis. We had intended to answer the following questions.1. Do antiepileptic drugs used routinely as primary prophylaxis for all patients with suspected or proven viral encephalitis reduce the risk of seizures during the acute illness and reduce neurological morbidity and mortality?2. Do antiepileptic drugs used routinely as secondary prophylaxis for all patients who have had at least one seizure due to suspected or proven viral encephalitis reduce the risk of further seizures during the acute illness and reduce neurological morbidity and mortality? SEARCH METHODS: For the latest version of this review, we searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register (11 April 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via the Cochrane Register of Studies Online (CRSO, 11 April 2016), MEDLINE (Ovid 1946 to 11 April 2016), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP, 11 April 2016), and ClinicalTrials.gov (11 April 2016). We did not impose any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in which patients were assigned to a treatment or control group (placebo or no drug). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One review author (SP) searched the publications by title, abstract and keywords, and decided on their suitability for the review. For any studies where their suitability was unclear, the co-authors (CR, BM) were consulted. The co-authors (CR, BM) independently evaluated the selected studies. Since there were no included studies, we carried out no data analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We did not find any randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared the effects of antiepileptic drugs with placebo (or no drug) for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures in viral encephalitis. We identified two studies from the literature search where different antiepileptic drugs were used in patients with viral encephalitis, however both failed to meet the inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the routine use of antiepileptic drugs for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures in viral encephalitis. There is a need for adequately powered randomised controlled trials in patients with viral encephalitis to assess the efficacy and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of seizures, which is an important clinical problem.

Serotonin syndrome presenting as febrile encephalopathy with CSF pleocytosis: a report of three cases.

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is an iatrogenic, drug-induced clinical syndrome caused by serotoninergic hyperstimulation. SS may have protean manifestations and can mimic a variety of medical conditions. Herein, we describe three cases of febrile encephalopathy who were on serotonergic agents. All three cases fulfilled Hunter's criteria for SS and responded to the removal of the offending agents and the administration of cyproheptadine. All three patients had abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations (pleocytosis in three patients and increased protein in two patients) which returned to normal with therapy. We suggest that SS presenting as febrile encephalopathy may have transient CSF abnormalities. Severe SS is a medical emergency. Therefore, a trial of cyproheptadine can be given in patients fulfilling the SS criteria even in the presence of CSF abnormalities. In parallel, the patients should be investigated for other causes of febrile encephalopathy and CSF pleocytosis.

Side-locked headaches: an algorithm-based approach.

The differential diagnosis of strictly unilateral hemicranial pain includes a large number of primary and secondary headaches and cranial neuropathies. It may arise from both intracranial and extracranial structures such as cranium, neck, vessels, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth, and the other facial or cervical structure. Available data suggest that about two-third patients with side-locked headache visiting neurology or headache clinics have primary headaches. Other one-third will have either secondary headaches or neuralgias. Many of these hemicranial pain syndromes have overlapping presentations. Primary headache disorders may spread to involve the face and / or neck. Even various intracranial and extracranial pathologies may have similar overlapping presentations. Patients may present to a variety of clinicians, including headache experts, dentists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologist, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists. Unfortunately, there is not uniform approach for such patients and diagnostic ambiguity is frequently encountered in clinical practice.Herein, we review the differential diagnoses of side-locked headaches and provide an algorithm based approach for patients presenting with side-locked headaches. Side-locked headache is itself a red flag. So, the first priority should be to rule out secondary headaches. A comprehensive history and thorough examinations will help one to formulate an algorithm to rule out or confirm secondary side-locked headaches. The diagnoses of most secondary side-locked headaches are largely investigations dependent. Therefore, each suspected secondary headache should be subjected for appropriate investigations or referral. The diagnostic approach of primary side-locked headache starts once one rule out all the possible secondary headaches. We have discussed an algorithmic approach for both secondary and primary side-locked headaches.

Serotonin syndrome presenting as surgical emergency: A report of two cases.

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is an iatrogenic, drug-induced clinical syndrome caused by serotoninergic hyperstimulation. The diagnosis of SS is easily overlooked as most physicians (up to 85%) are unaware of this syndrome as a clinical entity. Diagnosis is also difficult due to its protean manifestations which can mimic a variety of medical conditions. Herein, we describe two cases of SS, who initially presented to the Surgical Department as surgical emergencies. The first case developed urinary retention after the administration of sertraline. The second case developed features mimicking acute intestinal obstruction. Both cases responded to the removal of offending agents and administration of cyproheptadine. There is a need to increase the awareness of SS among physicians because of the widespread use of serotonergic agents all around the world.

Recurrent Spontaneous Paresthesia in the Upper Limb Could Be Due to Migraine: A Case Series.

Transient neurologic dysfunction is a characteristic feature of migraine. About 20% of migraineurs may experience various symptoms in the absence of any headache at one time or another. Visual auras are the most common auras of migraine, and migraine is considered as the most common cause of transient vision loss in young patients. Sensory auras are the second most common migrainous auras. However, the literature is silent for isolated sensory aura as a migraine equivalent. Herein we report 14 patients with recurrent episodic paresthesia in the limbs and other body parts. All patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of "typical aura without headache" of ICHD-3ß. All patients were subjected to various investigations to rule out secondary causes. Ten patients received antimigraine drugs and all showed a positive response to therapy. Recurrent spontaneous paresthesia is quite common in the general population and many patients remain undiagnosed. We speculate that a subset of patients might be related to migrainous sensory auras.

Memory outcome following left anterior temporal lobectomy in patients with a failed Wada test.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the memory outcome following left anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) between patients with a failed Wada test and patients who passed the Wada test. METHODS: From 1996 to 2002, we performed the Wada test on all patients with unilateral left mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) and concordant electroclinical data before ATL. We used a 12-item recognition paradigm for memory testing and awarded a score of +1 for each correct response and -0.5 for each incorrect response. No patient was denied surgery on the basis of Wada scores. We assessed cognitive and memory functions using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler Memory Scale preoperatively and at one year after ATL. We compared the number of patients who showed decline in memory scores, as per the published reliable change indices, between the patients with a failed Wada test and the patients who passed the Wada test. RESULTS: Out of the 116 eligible patients with left MTLE-HS, 88 underwent bilateral Wada test, while 28 underwent ipsilateral Wada test. None of them developed postoperative amnesia. Approximately, one-third of patients with a failed Wada memory test when the failure was defined as a contralateral score of <4, as an ipsilateral score of >8, and as an asymmetry score of <0. The patients with Wada memory failure had a longer pre-ATL duration of epilepsy (p<0.003). The memory and quality-of-life outcomes did not differ between the group with a failed Wada memory test and the group who passed the Wada memory test. The results remained the same when analyses were repeated at various other cutoff points. CONCLUSION: The patients with left MTLE-HS with concordant electroclinical, MRI, and neuropsychological data should not be denied ATL solely on the basis of Wada memory test results.

Concept of epilepsy surgery and presurgical evaluation.

Epilepsy surgery is a well-accepted treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. The success of the epilepsy surgery depends upon an appropriate presurgical evaluation process which should ensure the selection of suitable patients who are likely to become seizure-free following surgery without any unacceptable deficit. The two basic goals of the presurgical evaluation are the accurate localization and delineation of the extent of the epileptogenic zone, and its complete and safe resection. The process of the presurgical evaluation requires a multimodality approach wherein each modality provides unique and complimentary information which is combined with the information provided by other modalities to generate a hypothesis with regard to the likely epileptogenic zone. The basic modalities for the presurgical evaluation are clinical history, long-term video-EEG recording, high-resolution MRI, and neuropsychological evaluation. The additional modalities include functional imaging studies, electrical and magnetic source imaging, functional MRI, and intracranial monitoring. Each modality has its own limitations and the information provided by none of them is absolute. Hence, a concordance among the different modalities is the key to surgical success. The presurgical evaluation is a step-wise process starting form the most basic and most reliable tests and progressing to more complex and invasive modalities. The number of tests required varies according to the complexity involved and may include very basic minimum investigations in a given case, to the use of all the available investigations in more complex cases. The proper selection of various investigations and their accurate interpretation at each stage is required to ensure a successful outcome. In this article, we intend to review some of these basic concepts of presurgical evaluation and epilepsy surgery, and try to provide a frame work of the presurgical evaluation process.

Hemicrania continua with contralateral cranial autonomic features: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemicrania continua is characterized by continuous strictly unilateral head pain with episodic exacerbations. Episodic exacerbations are associated with ipsilateral cranial autonomic features. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a 24-year female with a 2-year history of continuous right-sided headache with superimposed exacerbations. Episodic exacerbations were associated with marked agitation and contralateral cranial autonomic features. The patient showed a complete response to indomethacin within 8 hours. DISCUSSION: The dichotomy of pain and autonomic features is in accordance with the concept about the possibility of two separate pathways for pain and autonomic features in trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.

Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures in viral encephalitis.

BACKGROUND: Viral encephalitis is characterised by diverse clinical and epidemiological features. Seizures are an important clinical manifestation and associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Patients may have seizures during the acute illness or they may develop after recovery. There are no recommendations regarding the use of antiepileptic drugs for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures in patients with viral encephalitis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of seizures in viral encephalitis. We intended to answer the following questions.1. Do antiepileptic drugs used as primary prophylaxis routinely for all patients with suspected or proven viral encephalitis reduce the risk of seizures during the acute illness and reduce neurological morbidity and mortality?2. Do antiepileptic drugs used as secondary prophylaxis routinely for all patients who have had at least one seizure due to suspected or proven viral encephalitis reduce the risk of further seizures during the acute illness and reduce neurological morbidity and mortality? SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialised Register (13 May 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014, Issue 4) (April 2014), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 13 May 2014), the WHO ICTRP search portal (13 May 2014) and ClinicalTrials.gov (13 May 2014). We did not impose any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in which patients were assigned to a treatment or control group (placebo or no drug). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One author (SP) searched the publications by title, abstract and keywords and decided on their suitability for inclusion in the review. For any studies where it was unclear whether they would be suitable for inclusion, the co-authors (CR, BM) were consulted. The co-authors (CR, BM) evaluated the selected studies independently. Since there were no included studies, we carried out no data analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We did not find any randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared the effects of antiepileptic drugs with placebo (or no drug) for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures in viral encephalitis. We identified two studies from the literature search where different antiepileptic drugs were used in patients with viral encephalitis, however both failed to meet the inclusion criteria. The first study included children with viral encephalitis where antiepileptic drugs were given. However, it is not clear how the diagnosis was established or the aetiologies. In addition, the randomisation and blinding method is not disclosed; the patients received a diverse and ill-defined range of antiepileptic drugs and adjunctive therapies, and none of the primary or secondary outcome measures was assessed. In the second study, adults with status epilepticus (of whom a proportion had viral encephalitis), who had failed to respond to two initial boluses of diazepam, were randomised to either valproate or diazepam. The study was open-label and the randomisation methodology was not disclosed; none of the primary or secondary outcomes were reported. Data on treatment response between the two arms for those patients with viral encephalitis are not presented for subgroup analysis; the Cochrane Epilepsy Group have contacted the authors for these data but have yet to receive a response. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of antiepileptic drugs for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures in viral encephalitis. There is a need for adequately powered randomised controlled trials in viral encephalitis patients to assess the efficacy and safety of antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of seizures, which is an important clinical problem.

Stopping antiepileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy in remission: why, when and how?

Making a decision to withdraw antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with epilepsy in remission requires a careful assessment of many patient and disease related factors and the associated risks and benefits. Although unnecessary continuation of AEDs exposes the patients to unwarranted side-effects, a premature withdrawal with subsequent seizure recurrence may be distressing for the patient who otherwise considers himself as cured. Although the final decision needs to be individualized, there are certain guidelines which can help us in making evidence based decision. In this article, we intend to review the current evidence on this subject with an aim of providing a framework of the best clinical practice in this field.