Common infectious and parasitic diseases as a cause of seizures: geographic distribution and contribution to the burden of epilepsy

This educational review article aims to provide information on the central nervous system (CNS) infectious and parasitic diseases that frequently cause seizures and acquired epilepsy in the developing world. We explain the difficulties in defining acute symptomatic seizures, which are common in patients with meningitis, viral encephalitis, malaria, and neurocysticercosis, most of which are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including subsequent epilepsy. Geographic location determines the common causes of infectious and parasitic diseases in a particular region. Management issues encompass prompt treatment of acute symptomatic seizures and the underlying CNS infection, correction of associated predisposing factors, and decisions regarding the appropriate choice and duration of antiseizure therapy. Although healthcare provider education, to recognize and diagnose seizures and epilepsy related to these diseases, is a feasible objective to save lives, prevention of CNS infections and infestations is the only definitive way forward to reduce the burden of epilepsy in developing countries.

Temporopolar blurring in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis and long-term prognosis after epilepsy surgery.

PURPOSE: We conducted a retrospective study in order to investigate the clinical significance of temporopolar grey/white matter abnormalities (GWMA) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) with a long post-surgical follow-up. METHODS: The study comprised 122 consecutive patients with medically refractory TLE and unilateral HS who underwent epilepsy surgery and had a minimum postoperative follow-up of 5 years. Patients were divided into two groups, based on findings of pre-surgical MRI: group 1 with GWMA and 2 with normal signal and grey/white matter definition in temporal pole. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed and compared between groups. RESULTS: GWMA were found in 52.5% of patients, always ipsilateral to HS. Compared with group 2, group 1 patients had earlier epilepsy onset (mean, 9.3 vs 14.4 years, P=0.001), a higher occurrence of first seizure ≤2 years of age (25.8% vs 10.5%, P=0.036; OR=2.96 [95% CI=1.07-8.19]), and greater prevalence of left HS (76.6% vs 43.1%, P<0.001; OR=4.31 [95% CI=1.98-9.38]). No differences were found in gender, presence or type of initial precipitating injury, history of secondary generalized seizures, duration of epilepsy, seizure frequency before surgery, neuropsychological evaluation and presence or lateralization of pre-surgical interictal epileptiform discharges. Postoperative follow-up varied from 5 to 11.5 years (mean 7.4) and was similar in both groups (P=0.155). The proportion of patients classified as seizure-free (Engel class I) at last follow-up in groups 1 and 2 were 73.4% and 69%, respectively (P=0.689). Similarly, the percentages of seizure-free patients with no antiepileptic drugs at last evaluation were not different between groups (P=0.817). In logistic regression analysis, left HS (P=0.001; OR=4.166 [95% CI=1.86-9.34]) and age at epilepsy onset ≤2 years (P=0.047; OR=3.885 [95% CI=1.86-17.50]) were independently associated with risk of having GWMA. CONCLUSION: GWMA are frequent findings in patients with TLE and HS, and may help lateralize the epileptogenic zone. Our data support the hypothesis that GWMA are caused by seizure-related insults during the critical period of cerebral myelination. GWMA did not influence the postoperative seizure outcome of patients with TLE and HS, even after an extended duration of post-surgical follow-up.

Refractory nonconvulsive status epilepticus in coma: analysis of the evolution of ictal patterns / Estado de mal epiléptico não convulsivo refratário no coma: análise da evolução dos padrões ictais

OBJECTIVE: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is currently considered as one of the most frequent types of status epilepticus (SE). The objective of the present study was to identify the natural history of the electrographical evolution of refractory NCSE and to establish the relationship between ictal patterns and prognosis. METHODS: We analyzed, retrospectively, 14 patients with loss of consciousness and NCSE. The ictal patterns were classified as discrete seizures (DS), merging seizures (MS), continuous ictal discharges (CID), continuous ictal discharges with flat periods (CID-F), and periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs). RESULTS: The ictal patterns were DS (n=7; 50.0%), PLEDs (n=3; 1.4%), CID (n=2; 14.3%), MS (n=1; 7.1%), and CID-F (n=1; 7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: NCSE electrographic findings are heterogeneous and do not follow a stereotyped sequence. PLEDs were related to a higher probability of neurological morbidity and mortality.

OBJETIVO: Estado de mal epiléptico não convulsivo (EMENC) é atualmente considerado uma das formas mais frequentes de estado de mal epiléptico. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a história natural da evolução eletrográfica do EMENC refratário, bem como estabelecer relações entre padrões ictais e o prognóstico. MÉTODOS: Foram analizados, retrospectivamente, 14 pacientes com comprometimento da consciência e EMENC. Os padrões ictais foram classificados em crises isoladas (CI), crises subintrantes (CS), descarga ictal contínua (DIC), descarga ictal contínua com períodos de atenuação (DIC-A) e descargas epileptiformes periódicas lateralizadas (PLEDs). RESULTADOS: Os padrões ictais observados foram CI (n=7; 50,0%), PLEDs (n=3; 1,4%), DIC (n=2; 14,3%), CS (n=1; 7,1%) e DIC-A (n=1; 7,1%). CONCLUSÕES: Achados eletrográficos no EMENC refratário são heterogêneos e não obedecem a uma sequência estereotipada. As PLEDs estão associadas à maior probabilidade de morbidade e mortalidade neurológica.

Low educational level effects on the performance of healthy adults on a Neuropsychological Protocol suggested by the Commission on Neuropsychology of the Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia / Efeitos de baixo nível de escolaridade no desempenho de adultos saudáveis em um protocolo neuropsicológico sugerido pela Comissão de Neuropsicologia da Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia

OBJECTIVE: To assess cognitive measures and impact of education on cognitive performance (CP) of low educational levels healthy adults (LELHA) on a Neuropsychological Protocol (NP) suggested by the Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia. METHOD: 138 subjects from an Education Program for Adults divided into two, age and gender matched groups of 69 subjects, answered the NP: Group 1 (mean of 6.9±2.95 months of formal education) and Group 2, 47.8±10 months. Data were compared as z-scores. RESULTS: The mean IQ was 77.1±5.50 and 79.4±3.30 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.001). Both performed below the normal curve and Group 1 worse than 2. CP correlated with schooling, especially executive functions (54.1 percent vs 36.2 percent) and language (52.9 percent vs 25.7 percent). CONCLUSION: LELHA showed significant cognitive impairment in verbal and visuospatial areas. If these results had been obtained in epilepsy patients they would be interpreted as global cognitive impairment.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho cognitivo e o impacto do nível de educação formal em indivíduos adultos saudáveis com baixa escolaridade (IASBE) em um protocolo neuropsicológico (PN) sugerido pela Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia. MÉTODO: 138 indivíduos do programa EJA - Educação para Jovens e Adultos, divididos em 2 grupos de 69 sujeitos pareados por idade e sexo (6,9±2,95 vs 47,8±10 meses de escolaridade) responderam ao PN. Dados foram convertidos em z-scores. RESULTADOS: O QI médio foi 77,1±5,50 e 79,4±3,30 nos Grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente (p=0,001). Ambos tiveram resultados abaixo da curva normal e o Grupo 1 mostrou pior desempenho do que o 2, especialmente nas funções executivas (54,1 por cento vs 36,2 por cento) e linguagem (52,9 por cento vs 25,7 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: IASBE apresentaram comprometimento cognitivo tanto em tarefas verbais como visuoespaciais. Se estes resultados tivessem sido obtidos em pacientes com epilepsia seriam interpretados como indicativos de disfunção cognitiva global.

Atypical presentation in Rasmussen encephalitis: delayed late-onset periodic epileptic spasms.

A five-and-a-half-year-old girl started experiencing progressive left hemiparesis at age two and a half years. At age five years and four months she started presenting clusters of asymmetric periodic epileptic spasms with no hypsarrhythmia. The ictal EEG showed periodic, constant and stereotyped complexes. Serial brain imaging revealed progressive atrophy of the right hemisphere with increased T2 signal on MRI. She underwent a right hemispherotomy, and histological examination showed signs of inflammation and features of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). She has been seizure-free for 16 months. This case is unique in the following aspects: the presence of typical Rasmussen encephalitis features of progressive unilateral brain involvement without seizures, a delay of almost three years prior to seizure onset; an atypical seizure type presentation with periodic epileptic spasms and the presence of FCD associated with inflammatory changes. [Published with video sequences].

Medicamentos genéricos no tratamento das epilepsias: uma reflexão: [revisão] / Generics in the treatment of epilepsy: a reflection: [review]

OBJETIVOS: Discutimos aspectos controversos para a prescrição de medicamentos genéricos no tratamento das epilepsias e problemas relacionados à biodisponilidade e bioequivalência. Algumas drogas antiepilépticas (DAE) apresentam baixa solubilidade em água, apresentam cinética não linear e faixa terapêutica estreita, dados sugestivos da ocorrência de problemas relacionados à bioequivalência. MÉTODOS: Revisão da literatura. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Há mais informações sobre as DAE tradicionais (fenitoína, carbamazepina e valproato) e apenas uma comunicação em congresso foi encontrada sobre a substituição de uma nova DAE, a lamotrigina. O nível de evidência é fraco, baseado em séries de casos e opinião de especialistas, com exceção talvez da fenitoína para a qual há alguns estudos analíticos. Podemos permitir o uso de genéricos para o tratamento das epilepsias, desde que tenhamos em mente que este abrirá a possibilidade de substituições sucessivas de formulações durante o tratamento, com conseqüências imprevisíveis como a recorrência de crises e suas conseqüências ou o aparecimento de efeitos adversos.

OBJECTIVE: We discuss some controversial aspects with prescription of generic drugs (GD) and the problems concerning bioequivalence in the treatment of epilepsy. Some antiepileptic drugs (AED) are poorly soluble in water, have nonlinear kinetics and a narrow therapeutic range, implying that problems with bioequivalence are likely to occur. There are clearly advantages (cost saving) and disadvantages (loss of seizure control or drug toxicity) in prescribing generics AED. METHODS: Review of literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The main information is about classical AED (phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate). Regarding the new AED we found only one poster presentation related to lamotrigine substitution. The level of evidence is, generally, weak, based on case-series and expert opinion without explicit critical appraisal (except in phenytoin with level of evidence moderate, based on some analytical studies). We may allow the use of generics for epilepsy treatment. However, this opens the possibility of successive substitution of different formulations which may even be life threatening.

Early destructive lesions in the developing brain: clinical and electrographic correlates.

OBJECTIVE: Early brain insults can cause cavitary lesions including porencephaly (POR) and multicystic encephalopathy (MCE). The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and electrographic correlates associated to these types of destructive brain lesions. METHOD: Patients with POR and MCE were selected and submitted to clinical and Video-EEG monitoring. The following variables were analyzed: demographic data, type of lesion, presence of gliosis, perinatal complications, epilepsy, brain atrophy, and presence and frequency of epileptiform discharges. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, 65% males, 35% females, ages ranging from 1 to 40 years, 14 with MCE and 6 with POR. Eighteen patients had hemiparesis, 19 had epilepsy (current or in the past), seven of them had refractory seizures, and 16 had epileptiform discharges. All patients with MCE had gliosis while only 2 with POR had it. CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was observed between type of lesion and clinical and electrographical outcome. However, a positive correlation was observed between frequency of discharges and presence of brain atrophy, and between MCE and gliosis.

Early destructive lesions in the developing brain: clinical and electrographic correlates

OBJECTIVE: Early brain insults can cause cavitary lesions including porencephaly (POR) and multicystic encephalopathy (MCE). The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and electrographic correlates associated to these types of destructive brain lesions. METHOD: Patients with POR and MCE were selected and submitted to clinical and Video-EEG monitoring. The following variables were analyzed: demographic data, type of lesion, presence of gliosis, perinatal complications, epilepsy, brain atrophy, and presence and frequency of epileptiform discharges. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, 65 percent males, 35 percent females, ages ranging from 1 to 40 years, 14 with MCE and 6 with POR. Eighteen patients had hemiparesis, 19 had epilepsy (current or in the past), seven of them had refractory seizures, and 16 had epileptiform discharges. All patients with MCE had gliosis while only 2 with POR had it. CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was observed between type of lesion and clinical and electrographical outcome. However, a positive correlation was observed between frequency of discharges and presence of brain atrophy, and between MCE and gliosis.

OBJETIVO: Insultos cerebrais precoces podem causar lesões cavitárias incluindo porencefalias (POR) e encefalomalacias multicisticas (EMC). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar correlatos clínicos e eletrográficos associados a estes dois tipos de lesões destrutivas. MÉTODO: Pacientes com POR e EMC foram selecionados e submetidos à avaliação neurológica e monitorização vídeo-eletrencefalográfica, analisando-se as seguintes variáveis: dados demográficos, tipo de lesão, presença de gliose, complicações perinatais, epilepsia, atrofia cerebral, presença e freqüência de descargas epilépticas. RESULTADO: Vinte pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 65 por cento do sexo masculino, 35 por cento do feminino, idades entre 1 e 40 anos, sendo 14 com EMC e 6 com POR. Dezoito pacientes tinham hemiparesia, 19 tinham ou tiveram epilepsia (7 deles refratários ao tratamento medicamentoso) e 16 deles tinham paroxismos epileptiformes. Todos com MCE tinham gliose associada, contra apenas 2 dos pacientes com POR. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve correlação entre tipo de lesão e evolução clínica e eletrográfica. Houve, entretando, correlação positiva entre freqüência de descargas epilépticas e presença de atrofia cerebral, e entre lesão do tipo EMC e presença de gliose.

Clinical features and surgical outcome of patients with indolent brain tumors and epilepsy

INTRODUCTION: In this study the authors review the outcomes of 22 patients with medically refractory epilepsy and slow growth brain tumors. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the clinical, electrophysiological, operative, and histopathological features. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: The majority of the tumors were located in the temporal lobe (n = 20) and involved the cortical gray matter. The most frequent tumors were gangliogliomas (n = 9), astrocytomas grade I and II (n = 6), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (n = 5) and ganglioneuroma (n = 2). The biological behavior of the tumors was strikingly indolent, as indicated by a long preoperative history of chronic seizures (mean, 14 years). Mean follow-up time after resection was 27 months, and according to EngelÆs classification, 85 percent were seizure-free, 10 percent showed a reduction of seizure frequency of at least 90 percent, and 5 percent had reduction in seizure frequency at least 75 percent. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that neoplasms associated with pharmacoresistent epilepsy constitute a distinct clinicopathological group of tumors that arise in young patients, involve the cortex, and exhibit indolent biological behavior for many years. Complete surgical removal of these tumors, including the epileptogenic area, can achieve excellent seizure control.

INTRODUÇÃO: Neste estudo os autores avaliaram retrospectivamente 22 pacientes tratados cirurgicamente com diagnóstico de epilepsia refratária e tumor cerebral de crescimento lento. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os aspectos clínicos, eletrofisiológicos, cirúrgicos e histopatológicos. PACIENTES E RESULTADOS: A maioria dos tumores estava localizada no lobo temporal (n = 20) com envolvimento da substância cinzenta. Ganglioglioma foi o tumor mais frequente (n = 9), seguido do astrocitoma grau I e II OMS (n = 6), tumor neuroepitelial disembrioplástico (DNET) (n = 5) e ganglioneuroma (n = 2). O comportamento biológico dos tumores foi estritamente indolente como indicado pela longa história pré-operatória de (média, 14 anos). O tempo de acompanhamento pós-operatório médio foi de 27 meses e de acordo com a Classificacão de Engel, 85 por cento ficaram sem crises (Classe I), 10 por cento obtiveram redução maior de 90 por cento das crises (Classe II), e 5 por cento tiveram redução menor que 75 por cento (Classe III). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados indicam que neoplasias associadas à epilepsia crônica refratária constituem um grupo de tumores com características clinico-patológicas distintas que se iniciam em pacientes jovens, envolvem o córtex e apresentam comportamento biológico indolente. A ressecção cirúrgica completa destes tumores, incluindo a zona epileptogênica, levou ao controle total das crises na maior parte dos casos estudados.

Consenso terminológico da associação brasileira de epilepsia / Terminological Consensus of the ABE

O objetivo deste texto é rever a terminologia sobre epilepsia utilizada no Brasil, a fim de unificar termos de uso comum tanto para leigos como para profissionais da área de saúde, uma vez que não há consenso. Em teses e artigos leigos sobre epilepsia são comuns termos como epiléptico e portador sendo a epilepsia referida como uma doença ou uma síndrome. Por outro lado, em reuniões de pessoas com epilepsia o termo paciente com epilepsia é comumente utilizado e os indivíduos ali presentes não são pacientes. A partir da heterogeneidade da epilepsia, o termo distúrbio parece ser o mais abrangente nos âmbitos cientifico e social. A Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia (ABE) propõe a definição de epilepsia baseada na última da Liga Internacional contra a Epilepsia (ILAE) (2005): distúrbio cerebral causado por predisposição persistente a gerar crises epilépticas e pelas conseqüências neurobiológicas, cognitivas, psicossociais e sociais da condição, devendo ter ocorrido pelo menos uma crise epiléptica. A ABE considera que os termos doença, portador, epiléptico devam ser proscritos e a epilepsia deva ser considerada um distúrbio, e os indivíduos que a apresentem, pessoas com epilepsia.

The objective of this paper is to review the terminology about epilepsy used in Brazil, in order to unify terms for lay people and health professionals, hence there is no consensus. Because of the heterogeneity of epilepsy, the term disorder seems to be the more complete regarding scientific and social aspects. The Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia proposes the following definition based on ILAE definition (2005): "Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by the neurobiologic, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition. The definition of epilepsy requires the occurrence of at least one epileptic seizure". The ABE considers that the terms disease, carrier, epileptic must be outlawed and epilepsy should be considered a disorder, and the individuals that present it, people with epilepsy.

Ictal fear: semiologic characteristics and differential diagnosis with interictal anxiety disorders

INTRODUCTION: Ictal fear (IF) is one of the most frequent emotional auras. It is the sole or predominant manifestation of simple partial seizures or initial expression of a complex partial seizure. It is more often experienced in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), probably associated with mesial temporal structures, like the amygdala. Anxiety disorders are very common psychiatric disorders associated with epilepsy, with a prevalence of 15 to 25 percent. OBJECTIVES: To describe three patients with IF with refractory mesial TLE, also presenting the results of EEG, imaging exams, neuropsychological, quality of life and psychiatric evaluations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three case reports of patients with refractory mesial TLE and IF followed up in the outpatient's clinic at the Epilepsy Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil, were submitted to presurgical evaluation and corticoamygdalohippocampectomy. Two patients presented ictal scalp-sphenoidal EEG onset on left side. Two patients had major depressive disorder in psychiatric evaluation. CONCLUSION: Although IF is the most frequent ictal psychological symptom, anxiety and mood disorders are very common psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy. It was concluded that differential diagnosis of interictal anxiety disorders, panic attacks and IF can be difficult, and requires careful management.

INTRODUÇÃO: O medo ictal (IF) é uma aura comum. Pode ser a unica manifestação de uma crise parcial simples ou o início de uma crise parcial complexa. Freqüentemente vivenciada por pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal mesial (TLE) é associada a comprometimento de estruturas mesiais como a amígdala. Os transtornos de ansiedade são muito comuns entre os transtornos psiquiátricos associados a epilepsia, com uma prevalência de 15 a 20 por cento. OBJETIVOS: descrever três casos de pacientes com medo ictal como manifestação de epilepsia refratária do lobo temporal mesial, apresentando também resultados do EEG, exames de imagem, avaliação neuropsicológica, de qualidade de vida e psiquiátrica. MÉTODOS E RESULTADOS: Três pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório do setor de Epilepsia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo com epilepsia refratária do lobo temporal mesial foram submetidos a avaliação pré-cirúrgica e cortico-amidalahipocampectomia. Dois apresentaram EEG de superficie com eletrodos esfenoidais com início ictal do lado esquerdo e dois tinham transtorno de depressão maior segundo a avaliação psiquiátrica. CONCLUSÃO: Embora o medo ictal seja uma aura freqüente, é importante levar em conta os índices elevados de comorbidades psiquiátricas, como os transtornos ansiosos, nos pacientes com epilepsia. Concluiu-se que pode ser difícil o diagnóstico diferencial de transtornos de ansiedade interictal, ataques de pânico e medo ictal, exigindo um manejo cuidadoso.

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: analysis of factors implied in delayed diagnosis and prognosis after clinical and electroencephalographical characterization

Considered a common epileptic syndrome, corresponding to 2.8 - 11.9 per cent of all epilepsies, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is still not well diagnosed, a fact that may bring about important deleterious consequences, Valproato (VPA) is considered the drug of choice for seizure control. With the aim to characterize the factors implied in the delay of diagnosis (DD) and the response after adequate therapeutic institution we analyzed 41 JME patients attended to since october 2000. The initial diagnosis, the DD and factors implied in it and prognosis after establishment of adequate treatment since most of the patients were receiving antiepileptic drugs (AED) other than VPA were characterized. Only 8 out of the 41 patients (19,5 per cent) had had syndromic diagnosis while 33 (80,5 per cent) had not yet had, being more frequently labeled as undeterminate epulepsy. The diagnosis was established in a mean of 8.2 yr. 15 days to 34 yr.). The factors identified in the DD were: omission in 4 (9.7 per cent) and asymmetry of the myoclonia in 12 (29.3 per cent): normal first EEGs in 16 (41 per cent); presence of focal abnormalities in the EEGs in 12 (31.7 per cent). At the time of the stdy, the sleep-deprived EEG was abnormal in 32 (86.5 per cent) and showed generalized spike-waves in 29 (78.4 per cent) or multispike-waves in 19 (51.4 per cent). There was a frontocentral predominance in 30 (81.1 per cent) being asymmetric in 12. Focal discharges were obsersed in 12 (29.2 per cent). The mean in years of DD was 11.6 yr. for the group with asymmetric compared to 8,5 yr. in those with symmetric paroxysms. VPA associated with avoidance of precipitant factors (APF) led to complete seizure control in 29 of all patients in the first year. This rate dropped to 16 in the third year. The main factor inplied in this drop was non-compliance. JME continues to be misdiagnosed and the response to VPA + APF in one year is excellent suggesting pharmacosenstivity. Despite all the instructions it is very difficult for JME patients to regorously follow medical advices over the yeras

Clinical and EEG analysis of mesial and lateral temporal lobe seizures

The analysis of the temporal lobe seizures through video-EEG systems shows that they often consist of a sequence of clinical and EEG features which may suggest the localization and the lateralization of the epileptogenic lobe. We analyzed clinical and EEG features of 50 temporal lobe seizures which were separated in group 1 with 25 patients (related to mesial temporal sclerosis) and group 2 with 25 patients (other neocortical temporal lesions). Among the auras, the epigastric type was the most frequent and predominated in group 1. There were differences between the two groups, considering dystonic and tonic posturing and versive head and eye movements. Dystonic posturing was always contralateral to the ictal onset and was considered the most useful lateralizing clinical feature. Ictal speech, spitting and blinking automatisms, prolonged disorientation for place and a greatest percentage of postictal language preservation occurred in right temporal seizures. Postictal aphasia and global disorientation predominated in left temporal seizures. EEG was important for lateralizing the epileptogenic lobe, specially considering rhythmic ictal activity and postictal findings.

Functional significance of MRI defined mesial temporal sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy

O significado funcional dos sinais de esclerose mesial temporal observados em ressonância magnética ainda näo está estabelecido. Para estudar as relaçöes entre sinais de esclerose mesial temporal na ressonância magnética e alteraçöes no SPECT intercrítico, foram selecionados 18 pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal cujo diagnóstico foi definido pela presença de descargas de ondas agudas e alentecimento da atividade de base em vários EEG obtidos durante vários anos de seguimento em todos os pacientes e por registros críticos com eletrodos esfenoidais em 12 pacientes. No grupo 1 foram incluídos pacientes (n=11) com sinais de esclerose mesial temporal na ressonância magnética; no grupo II (n=7), pacientes com ressonância normal. Em todos os casos a injeçäo do Tc99 HMPAO foi realizada no período intercrítico com monitorizaçäo EEG. Foi observada hipoperfusäo lateralizada ipsolateral ao foco definido pelo EEG em 13 pacientes (72 por cento). Todos os pacientes do grupo II e 6 pacientes do grupo I tiveram hipoperfusäo temporal. Este estudo mostrou maior positividade de SPECT em pacientes com ressonância normal do que tem sido referido na literatura. Como os pacientes do grupo II tinham sinais clínicos ou eletrencefalográficos sugestivos de origem neocortical de suas crises epilépticas, postulamos que hipoperfusäo em estudos de SPECT pode ser demonstrada tanto em epilepsia temporal neocortical como mesiolímbica

Manifestaçöes clínicas de crises parciais complexas do lobo temporal: um estudo vídeo-eletrencefalográfico / Clinical manifestations in complex partial crisis of the temporal lobe: a video-electroencephalographic study

Analisamos as manifestaçöes clínicas de 27 crises parciais complexas do lobo temporal registradas em vídeo-EEG com ênfase nas manifestaçöes motoras, principalmente postura distônica, paresia crítica e versäo forçada dos olhos e cabeça. A origem das crises no lobo temporal foi baseada na concordância dos exames pré cirúrgicos, que incluiam vários EEGs intercríticos, alteraçöes na TC e RM do crânio, SPECT intercríticos e, em alguns pacientes, também críticos. 8 pacientes tiveram ressecçöes temporais; em 7 foi feita lobectomia temporal sendo demonstrada esclerose mesial temporal em 5; 1 paciente foi submetido a amígdalo-hipocampectomia seletiva e o achado anátomo-patológico consistiu de hemossiderose e glicose hipocampal, possivelmente decorrente de sangramento de um aneurisma gigante da artéria cerebral posterior. Todos os pacientes estäo sem crises após a cirurgia. Enquanto postura distônica e paresia crítica, presentes em 18(66,6 por cento) das crises, foram sempre contralaterais à área epileptôgênica e assim, de valor indiscutível para lateralizaçäo, versäo de olhos e cabeça ocorreu tanto ipso como contralateralmente