Use of suggestive seizure manipulation methods in the investigation of patients with possible psychogenic nonepileptic seizures-An international ILAE survey.

Video-encephalographic (vEEG) seizure recordings make essential contributions to the differentiation of epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The yield of vEEG examinations can be increased through suggestive seizure manipulation (SSM) (ie, activation/provocation/cessation procedures), but its use has raised ethical concerns. In preparation for guidelines on the investigation of patients with PNES, the ILAE PNES Task Force carried out an international survey to investigate practices of and opinions about SSM. An online questionnaire was developed by the ILAE PNES Task Force. Questions were asked at clinical unit or individual respondent level. All ILAE chapters were encouraged to send questionnaires to their members. The survey was open from July 1, 2019, to August 31, 2019. A total of 487 clinicians from 411 units across 94 countries responded. Some form of SSM was used in 296/411 units (72.0%). Over 90% reported the use of verbal suggestion, over 80% the use of activation procedures also capable of eliciting epileptic activity (hyperventilation or photic stimulation). Only 26.3% of units used techniques specifically intended to provoke PNES (eg, saline injection). Fewer than 10% of units had established protocols for SSM, only 20% of units required written patient consent, in 12.2% of units patients received explicitly false information to provoke seizures. Clinicians using SSM tended to perceive no ethical problems, whereas those not using SSM were likely to have ethical concerns about these methods. We conclude that the use of invasive nocebo techniques intended to provoke PNES in diagnostic settings has declined, but SSM is commonly combined with activation procedures also capable of eliciting epileptic activity. While research suggests that openness about the use of PNES-specific nocebo techniques does not reduce diagnostic yield, very few units have suggestion protocols or seek patient consent. This could be addressed through establishing consensus guidance for the practice of SSM.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in Latin America: A survey describing current practices.

OBJECTIVE: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are one of the most common differential diagnoses of epilepsy. This study provides an overview of diagnostic and treatment services for patients with PNES across Latin America. METHODS: In 2017-2018, clinicians practicing in Latin America with responsibilities for patients with PNES were contacted to respond to a survey regarding the management of this disorder developed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) PNES Task Force. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty responses from 17 Latin American countries were analyzed. Most respondents were neurologists (81%) under 40 years of age (61%). Fifty-seven percent of professionals stated that they personally diagnose PNES, but only 33% stated that they provide follow-up, and only 20% that they recommend treatment. Many participants (54%) characterized themselves as either unfamiliar with the diagnosis or inexperienced in arranging treatment. Most respondents reported having access to brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 88%) and routine electroencephalogram (EEG; 71%), 64% have the access to video-EEG longer than 8 h, and 54% of professionals performed video-EEG to confirm PNES diagnoses. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy was recognized as the treatment of choice (by 82% of respondents), there was little access to it (60%). In contrast, a high proportion of respondents reported using antidepressant (67%), antiseizure (57%), and antipsychotic medications (54%) as treatments for PNES. SIGNIFICANCE: This study reveals several deficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with PNES in Latin America. The barriers are reinforced by lack of knowledge among the specialists and poor healthcare system support. There is inadequate access to prolonged video-EEG and psychotherapy. An inappropriate use of antiseizure medicines seems commonplace, and there are low follow-up rates by neurologists after the diagnosis. Multidisciplinary guidelines are required to improve the approach of patients with PNES.

Validation of the Status epilepticus severity score (STESS) at high-complexity hospitals in Medellín, Colombia.

PURPOSE: The Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS) is one of the most well-known clinical scoring systems to predict mortality in status epilepticus (SE). The objective of this study was to validate STESS in a Colombian population. METHOD: We evaluated historical data of adult patients (age ≥16 years) with a clinical or electroencephalographic diagnosis of SE admitted between 2014 and 2017. Prospectively, we included patients admitted from January to June of 2018. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-analysis, determination of best cutoff values, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were performed. RESULTS: The sample was 395 patients, with in-hospital mortality of 16.8 %. The area under the ROC curve for STESS was 0.84. A cutoff point of ≥3 produced the highest sensitivity of 84.9 % (95 % CI 73.9 %-92.5 %) and a specificity of 65.7 % (95 % CI 60.2 %-70.8 %), with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.5 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.2. CONCLUSIONS: STESS is a useful tool to predict mortality in patients with SE. In Medellin, Colombia, a STESS < 3 allows the identification of the patients who survive reliably. Those patients with a score <3 may have a better prognosis, and treatment with fewer side effects than anaesthetics could be suggested, always remembering the importance of the treating physician's clinical judgement.

Art and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are episodes of seizure-like symptoms that are not associated with epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram (EEG). They can be remarkably difficult to distinguish from epileptic seizures: both may involve alterations in mental status and behavior, sensory or perceptual disturbances, as well as simple or complex motor patterns. Pictorial expressions of PNES have always attracted attention from the lay public and medical practitioners alike, by showing the rich variety of semiologies seen in the condition and its differences with epileptic seizures. In this article, we present two new contemporary artistic descriptions by the Canadian artist Iris Hauser about PNES. The depictions highlight key signs seen in PNES such as "eyes closed during events", "the hyperextension of the back and limbs", and the "claw-like finger posturing". We believe that the drawings can provide a valuable educational component in the initial assessment of patients suspected of having PNES as a training tool to identify and refer patients for more advanced testing.

El ejercicio como estrategia terapéutica en la epilepsia: revisión bibliográfica / Exercise as a therapeutic strategy in epilepsy: a literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La epilepsia es una enfermedad neurológica común con consecuencias emocionales y físicas significativas. Hasta el 30% de los pacientes son refractarios a los fármacos antiepilépticos, por lo que se han planteado terapias no farmacológicas coadyuvantes, como la actividad física. OBJETIVO: Se realizó una búsqueda en la bibliografía sobre actividad física en personas con epilepsia, con el fin de evaluar los beneficios, potenciales efectos secundarios, el impacto en las comorbilidades, la clasificación de riesgo de cada deporte y las barreras existentes para su práctica. DESARROLLO: Múltiples modelos en animales y en humanos evalúan los beneficios del ejercicio en la epilepsia, explicados por efectos en neurotransmisores, hormonas y factores neurotróficos; además, demuestran efectos positivos en comorbilidades como la obesidad, las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la depresión y la osteoporosis. A pesar de ser una práctica que ha mostrado ser segura, las personas con epilepsia son menos activas físicamente debido a barreras que limitan su práctica. CONCLUSIONES: La actividad física es beneficiosa y segura para las personas con epilepsia. La bibliografía sugiere un mejor control de las crisis epilépticas, además de beneficios psicosociales y sobre las comorbilidades. Hay un bajo riesgo de lesiones asociadas con esta práctica. El ejercicio debería promoverse después de una evaluación clínica cuidadosa, considerando el control de crisis en el último año, posibles factores precipitantes y el tipo de deporte que se va a practicar

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a common neurologic disease with emotional and physical consequences. Thirty percent of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy, therefore adjuvant non-pharmacological therapies, such as physical activity, have been proposed. AIM: This study reviews the literature about physical activity in people with epilepsy, to evaluate the benefits, potential side effects, impact on comorbidities, the risk classification of sports, and the barriers to their practice. DEVELOPMENT: Multiple animal and human models evaluate the benefits of exercise in epilepsy, explained by modulation on neurotransmitters, hormones, and neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, exercise demonstrates positive impact on comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and osteoporosis. Despite being a practice that has been shown to be safe, people with epilepsy are less physically active due to barriers that limit their practice. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is beneficial and safe for people with epilepsy. Literature suggests better control of seizures, psychosocial benefits, and improvements on the comorbidities. There is a low risk of injury associated. Exercise should be promoted after a careful clinical evaluation, considering seizure control in the last year, potential triggering factors and the sport chosen

The Use of Cannabis as a Treatment for Epilepsy in Adult Patients: Are Side Effects a Limitation of Use?

Marijuana is the dried leaves, stems, and flowers of a 1- to 5-m weed originating from Central Asia. The most common varieties are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. It is usually inhaled as smoke but can also be used as a vapor, taken by mouth as a spray, ingested in tea or as butter in baked goods, or in capsule form and used as an oil. Cannabis has been widely used to treat many medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis symptoms, mood disorders, pain, sleep disorders, and seizures among others. Preclinical and clinical studies have been done over the past decade, among them there are few randomized placebo-controlled trials. In the last few years, Cannabis has been proposed as a potential therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. This review analyzes the best information about the use of cannabis in adult patients, reviewing aspects of efficacy and safety.

Risk factors associated with drug resistant focal epilepsy in adults: A case control study.

PURPOSE: Using an adult cohort of patients with focal epilepsy, we aimed to identify risk factors for development of drug-resistant epilepsy, which if identifiable would allow patients to receive appropriate counsel and earlier surgical treatment. METHODS: This is a case-control study nested within a cohort, 146 adult patients with focal epilepsy were included. Definitions were used in accordance with ILAE criteria. The odds ratio and its confidence interval were calculated. We performed a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-one [48.6%] patients met the criteria for drug-resistant epilepsy [cases] and 75 [51.4%] patients were controls. The mean age of patients was 44.5 ± 16.4 years. The most significant variables associated with developing drug-resistant epilepsy include younger age at diagnosis [18.75 vs. 32.2, p < 0.001], years of evolution of epilepsy [22.54 vs. 16.05, p < 0.001], number of AED [4.8 vs. 2.87, p < 0.001], complex partial seizures [51 vs. 35 OR 2.9, p = 0.002], having more than one seizure per month [51 vs. 38, p = 0.009], bi-temporal focus [14 vs. 4 p = 0.008] and mesial temporal sclerosis [23 vs. 11 p = 0.01]. Good response to first AED [7 vs. 29 OR 0.2, p = 0.001] and epilepsy secondary to encephalomalacia [8 vs. 20 OR 0.35, p = 0.018] might be protective factors against drug resistant epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Longer time of epilepsy evolution, high frequency of seizures, complex partial seizure presentation, higher number of antiepileptic drugs, mesial temporal sclerosis and bitemporal epilepsy are predictive factors of subsequent pharmacoresistance.

Forced normalization: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Forced normalization (FN) is an intriguing phenomenon characterized by the emergence of psychiatric disturbances following the establishment of seizure control or reduction in the epileptic activity in a patient with previous uncontrolled epilepsy. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics of the condition. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scielo from January 1953 to January 2018. Clinical, electrographic, and imaging data were gathered. We considered all outcomes in children and adults. We performed no meta-analyses due to the limited available data. RESULTS: Of 2606 abstracts identified, 36 fulfilled the FN diagnostic criteria; 193 FN episodes were evaluated and 77 of them were analyzed extensively. Sixty percent of cases were female. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 28.3 ± 14.2 years. The majority of patients had focal (80%) symptomatic (44%) epilepsy. Most patients reported a high ictal frequency (58%) and were on polytherapy (51%). Patients presented psychosis (86.4%), mood disorders (25.8%), and dissociation (4.5%) as the main manifestations. In the psychosis group, persecutory (52.6%) and reference (47.3%) delusions were frequent. FN was provoked by an antiepileptic drug (AED) (48.5%) mainly levetiracetam, epilepsy surgery (31.8%), or vagus nerve stimulation (13.6%). Treatment was homogeneous including anticonvulsant withdrawal (47%) or taper (25%); antipsychotics were initiated in the majority of cases (73%). Psychiatric symptoms were partially controlled in 35%, with complete resolution of symptoms in the remaining 65% of cases. The majority of patients (87%) with AED trigger and withdrawal presented complete resolution of symptoms in comparison to 28.5% of patients triggered by surgery. SIGNIFICANCE: Forced normalization is an entity whose pathophysiology remains uncertain. Antipsychotic drug use does not predict complete resolution of psychiatric symptoms in comparison with AED withdrawal. Although there is a positive response to treatment in patients with FN triggered by drugs, the prognosis is obscure in patients with surgery triggered FN.

Deep Brain Stimulation and Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective neurointerventional technique for the treatment of movement disorders. Electrical stimulation of subcortical structures may exert a control on seizure generators initiating epileptic activities. The aim of this review is to present the targets of the deep brain stimulation for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods: We performed a structured review of the literature from 1980 to 2018 using Medline and PubMed. Articles assessing the impact of deep brain stimulation on seizure frequency in patients with DRE were selected. Meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies were included. Results: To date, deep brain stimulation of various neural targets has been investigated in animal experiments and humans. This article presents the use of stimulation of the anterior and centromedian nucleus of the thalamus, hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum and hypothalamus. Anterior thalamic stimulation has demonstrated efficacy and there is evidence to recommend it as the target of choice. Conclusion: Deep brain stimulation for seizures may be an option in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Anterior thalamic nucleus stimulation could be recommended over other targets.

Tratamiento del estado epiléptico, consenso de expertos. Asociación Colombiana de Neurología, Comité de Epilepsia / Treatment of status epilepticus, an expert consensus report. Colombian Neurology Association - Epilepsy Committee

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El estado epiléptico (EE) es una condición ocasionada por la falla en los mecanismos de supresión de las crisis epilépticas. Se considera como una urgencia neurológica y obliga al profesional de la salud a conocer las características de presentación para poder estabilizar al paciente. La mortalidad varía entre el 2 % y el 50 % según el grupo etario. OBJETIVO: Construir una serie de sugerencias para el tratamiento del EE, como resultado del consenso por común acuerdo de expertos en epilepsia, teniendo en cuenta el contexto colombiano. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un consenso formal de expertos con 16 neurólogos-epileptólogos de adultos y niños. Las preguntas y sugerencias fueron revisadas en dos fases, donde fueron calificadas y consensuadas por los participantes. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 15 preguntas, con sus respectivas sugerencias sobre el manejo del estado epiléptico, se tuvieron en cuenta referencias bibliográficas relevantes consideradas por los expertos y de acuerdo con el contexto colombiano. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este consenso presentan una serie de sugerencias para el tratamiento del estado epiléptico tanto en los primeros niveles de atención como en los de alta complejidad para mejorar el pronóstico del paciente, de acuerdo con el contexto colombiano.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Status epilepticus is a condition caused by failure in the mechanisms of suppression of epileptic seizures. It is considered a neurological emergency, and mortality varies between 2 % to 50 % according to the age group. Due to the above, it is relevant that health professionals know the characteristics of SE in order to stabilize the patient. OBJECTIVE: To define a series of propositions for the treatment of SE, as a result of consensus by common agreement of experts in epilepsy, taking into account the Colombian context. METHODS: A formal consensus of experts was carried out with 16 adult and pediatric neurologists-epilep-tologists. The questions and propositions were reviewed in two phases, where they were graded and agreed by the participants. RESULTS: Fifteen questions were evaluated on the management of status epilepticus. Relevant bibliographic references were considered by the experts according to the Colombian context. CONCLUSIONS: As results of this consensus we present a series of propositions for the treatment of status epilepticus for the primary level of care and high complexity level of care in order to improve the patient's prognosis, according to the Colombian context.

Forced normalization after turning off vagus nerve stimulation in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Forced normalization is the development of psychiatric symptoms in a patient experiencing remission of seizures. We present a case of Lennox Gastaut syndrome in which forced normalization developed after vagus nerve stimulation was stopped. The patient had drug resistant epilepsy and failed anti-seizure drugs, vagus nerve stimulation, and a partial callosotomy. The patient had multiple types of seizures including drop attacks, absences, and tonic-clonic seizures. He tried vagus nerve stimulation for two years without success. Forced normalization developed after the vagus nerve stimulator was turned off. This is the first case to our knowledge to describe forced normalization after turning off the vagus nerve stimulator.

Epilepsy for primary health care: a cost-effective Latin American E-learning initiative.

A lack of neurologists in Latin America forces primary health care providers to manage epilepsy. With the main goal of improving diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with epilepsy through training of physicians in the primary health care level, the International League Against Epilepsy Education Commission (2013-2017) created a low-cost, regional, virtual course. The course, set-up in Moodle platform, was structured in eight modules, each lasting for a week. Teaching was based on written didactic material, videos, and interactive discussions, both in Spanish and Portuguese. Topics included epidemiology, diagnosis, classification, treatment, prognosis, social issues, and epilepsy policies. Each course was limited to 50 participants and priority was given to general practitioners. Certification was given to those approving the final examination. Since 2015, five courses have been developed, involving 143 participants from 17 countries and 21 tutors. Of the participants, 61% worked in primary health care services. A total of 129 participants (90%) completed the course, and 110 submitted the final examination with an approval rate of 95%. From 85 participants completing the course evaluation, 98% would recommend the course to other colleagues, and 99% showed interest in taking other similar courses. High self-confidence for the management of patients with epilepsy increased from 21% at baseline to 73% after the course. The online course on epilepsy for primary care physicians in Latin America was shown to be a cost-effective course, with good retention and excellent approval rates. Our current challenges include periodic updating, complete self-sustainability, and exploring different strategies to reach our target audience more effectively.

Epilepsy, Physical Activity and Sports: A Narrative Review.

People with epilepsy (PWE) are less physically active compared with the general population. Explanations include prejudice, overprotection, unawareness, stigma, fear of seizure induction and lack of knowledge of health professionals. At present, there is no consensus on the role of exercise in epilepsy. This paper reviews the current evidence surrounding the risks and benefits associated with physical activity (PA) in this group of patients. In the last decade, several publications indicate significant benefits in physiological and psychological health parameters, including mood and cognition, physical conditioning, social interaction, quality of life, as well as potential prevention of seizure presentation. Moreover, experimental studies suggest that PA provides mechanisms of neuronal protection, related to biochemical and structural changes including release of ß-endorphins and steroids, which may exert an inhibitory effect on the occurrence of abnormal electrical activity. Epileptic discharges can decrease or disappear during exercise, which may translate into reduced seizure recurrence. In some patients, exercise may precipitate seizures. Available evidence suggests that PA should be encouraged in PWE in order to promote wellbeing and quality of life. There is a need for prospective randomized controlled studies that provide stronger clinical evidence before definitive recommendations can be made.

Experience of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in the Canadian league against epilepsy: A survey describing current practices by neurologists and epileptologists.

PURPOSE: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are one of the most common differential diagnoses of epilepsy. Our objective is to describe current medical care in Canada and identify patterns of practice and service gaps. METHODS: In 2015, a 36-question survey was sent via email to the 131 members of the Canadian League Against Epilepsy. The questions were designed after literature review and discussion with the ILAE PNES Task Force. Questions were separated into 5 sections: 1) the role of the respondent and their exposure to PNES, 2) diagnostic methods, 3) management of PNES, 4) etiological factors, and 5) problems accessing health care. RESULTS: Sixty-two questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 47%). Most respondents were epileptologists (76%). The majority of respondents personally diagnosed PNES and communicated the diagnosis to the patient, but only 55% provided follow-up within their practice and only 50% recommended or arranged treatment. Many (35%) were either unfamiliar with the diagnosis of PNES or inexperienced in arranging or offering treatment. Most (79%) provided follow-up to patients with concomitant epilepsy, but when PNES was the sole diagnosis follow-up rates were low. Although 84% of respondents felt that individualized psychological therapy was the most effective treatment, 40% of patients were not referred to psychotherapy and in most cases availability such therapy was low (30-60%). CONCLUSIONS: Canadian health professionals' understanding of PNES mostly reflects current international expert opinion. Once diagnosis is made however, the majority of patients are discharged from neurological services without appropriate psychological care.

Percepciones y actitudes de los pacientes frente a la cirugía de la epilepsia: conceptos equivocados en Colombia / Patients' perceptions of and attitudes towards epilepsy surgery: mistaken concepts in Colombia

Introducción. Los pacientes con epilepsia focal farmacorresistente se podrían beneficiar de la cirugía de la epilepsia; sin embargo, existen demoras en la realización del procedimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento y las actitudes de los pacientes hacia la cirugía de epilepsia e identificar barreras que pudieran retrasar el tratamiento. Pacientes y métodos. Se aplicó un cuestionario de 10 minutos a pacientes con epilepsia en Colombia. La encuesta evaluó el conocimiento de la opción quirúrgica, las percepciones sobre el riesgo de la cirugía frente al riesgo de crisis no controladas, la discapacidad producida por la enfermedad, las metas del tratamiento y las variables demográficas y socioeconómicas. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 88 pacientes con epilepsia focal. El 56% de los pacientes no sabía que la cirugía podría ser una opción terapéutica. El 60% consideró que la cirugía de la epilepsia es muy o moderadamente peligrosa. Una gran proporción pensaba que la muerte (41%), el ictus (47%), la pérdida visual (56%), los cambios en la personalidad (56%), la parálisis (61%), las dificultades para hablar (69%) y la pérdida de la memoria (60%) eran efectos secundarios comunes. La mayoría (62%) consideraba el procedimiento como la última opción de tratamiento. Conclusiones. Existe una actitud negativa por parte de los pacientes frente a la cirugía de la epilepsia fundamentada en la sobreestimación del riesgo de adquirir déficits neurológicos secundarios al procedimiento, lo que refleja la falta de conocimiento hacia este tratamiento. Estas percepciones erróneas pueden contribuir a demoras en la atención quirúrgica

Introduction. Selected patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy benefit from epilepsy surgery, however significant delays remain. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy surgery among patients with epilepsy and identify barriers that might delay the treatment. Patients and methods. A 10-minute questionnaire was administered to patients with epilepsy in Colombia. Survey assessed the following: knowledge of surgical options, perceptions about the risks of surgery vs. ongoing seizures, disease disability, treatment goals, and demographic and socioeconomic variables. Results. We recruited 88 patients with focal epilepsy. More than half of patients (56%) were not aware that surgery might be an option. Apprehension about epilepsy surgery was evident, 60% of patients perceived epilepsy surgery to be very or moderately dangerous. A large proportion of patients believe death (41%), stroke (47%), vision loss (56%), personality change (56%), paralysis (62%), difficulties in speaking (69%), and memory loss (60%) were frequent side effects. The majority of patients (62%) consider the surgical procedure as the last option of treatment. Conclusions. There is a negative attitude toward epilepsy surgery based on the patients' misperceptions of suffering neurological deficits during the surgery, reflecting lack of knowledge toward this type of treatment. These perceptions can contribute to delays in surgical care

The Montreal procedure: The legacy of the great Wilder Penfield.

Wilder Penfield pioneered the early practice of brain surgery. In binding together the disciplines of neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, psychology, and related basic sciences, Penfield transformed our understanding of the field of neuroscience. He brought to the operating room the meticulous techniques of Sherrington, combined with methods of stimulation described by Foerster, which he complemented with expert knowledge of the neurocytology of nervous tissue. While developing surgical treatments for epilepsy, Penfield began to map the brain. He established the "Montreal procedure" for the surgical treatment of epilepsy. His scientific contributions on neurostimulation were transformative in their time and continue to resonate today. This article reviews the life of Wilder Penfield and summarizes key scientific contributions. Specifically, we detail the Montreal procedure. We additionally present a painting by Canadian artist Iris Hauser, which purports to display the hidden treasures of the human mind.

Efficacy of lacosamide in children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy and refractory status epilepticus: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Lacosamide, is one of the newer antiepileptic drug approved for focal drug-resistant epilepsy as an add-on treatment in patients older than 16 years. However, there is growing evidence of its use, safety and efficacy in children. We aim to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide in focal and generalized drug-resistant epilepsy and refractory status epilepticus in the pediatric population. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review on MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Google Scholar and Scielo from January 2008 to January 2017. The primary outcome was the efficacy of lacosamide in children with drug-resistant epilepsy and refractory status epilepticus. Efficacy and adverse events attributed to lacosamide were extracted from each publication and systematically reported. We performed no meta-analyses due to limited available data. RESULTS: Of 175 abstracts identified by the search, 82 were reviewed as full-text. Twenty-six articles fulfilled eligibility criteria and described outcomes in 797 patients (57% male). The majority of studies were retrospective (69%) small series (84%). On average 51% of patients had 50% or greater seizure reduction. The mean seizure freedom rate was 24%. Adverse effects occurred in 18-59% of patients. The main events were dizziness, sedation, gastrointestinal upset, mood and behavioral changes. Half of the patients with Lennox Gastaut syndrome showed 50% or greater seizure reduction, 32% did not response to lacosamide and 17% suffered seizure aggravation. CONCLUSION: Current evidence shows lacosamide as a good option in pediatric patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy and refractory status epilepticus as an add-on therapy given its efficacy on seizure control and safety profile. The use of lacosamide in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome shows conflicting data. Large randomized controlled studies in the pediatric population are necessary to substantiate these findings.

Barreras de acceso a la cirugía de la epilepsia: revisión de la bibliografía / Barriers impeding access to epilepsy surgery: a review of the literature

La epilepsia farmacorresistente es una condición crónica con consecuencias a largo plazo que puede ser tratada quirúrgicamente. La eficacia y la seguridad de la cirugía de la epilepsia del lóbulo temporal se han establecido a través de un gran número de estudios de cohorte retrospectivos y prospectivos y dos ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados. A pesar de los excelentes resultados comunicados con la cirugía, la bibliografía sugiere que este procedimiento es un tratamiento subutilizado. Aunque no existe evidencia de esto, entre algunos de los motivos descritos se apuntan el fallo de los médicos de atención primaria y los neurólogos en proveer información, identificar y remitir a los pacientes a un centro de cirugía; los diferentes niveles de tecnología en los centros, lo que provoca distintas estrategias de selección de los candidatos; la creencia de que la cirugía de la epilepsia es un procedimiento arriesgado que debería contemplarse sólo como última opción; la preferencia del paciente por evitar la cirugía; el deseo de los padres de esperar hasta que sus hijos sean lo suficientemente mayores para participar en el proceso de toma de decisiones; el hecho de que las aseguradoras no cubran los gastos asociados con las evaluaciones prequirúrgicas o la carencia de un seguro médico, y la desigualdad racial y social, entre otros. En este artículo se revisan los datos epidemiológicos disponibles en relación con la falta de acceso a la cirugía de la epilepsia (AU)

Drug-resistant epilepsy, a chronic condition with long-term consequences can be treated with surgery. The efficacy and safety of surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy have been established through a large number of retrospective and prospective cohort studies and two randomized controlled clinical trials. Despite the excellent outcomes reported after surgery, the literature suggests that this procedure is an underutilized treatment. While evidence is lacking as to why epilepsy surgery is underused, cited reasons include: failure of primary care physicians and neurologists to provide information and identify patients who could be referred for surgery; different levels of technology at various centers, resulting in different candidate selection strategies; the belief that epilepsy surgery is a risky procedure and that it should be only viewed as the last option; patient preference to avoid surgery; parents wanting to wait until their child is old enough to participate in the decision-making process regarding surgery; unwillingness of insurers to cover the expenses associated with presurgical evaluations or lack of insurance; racial and social disparities, among others. In this paper we review the available epidemiological data about lack of utilization of epilepsy surgery (AU)

Intracranial investigation of a patient with nodular heterotopia and hippocampal sclerosis: dealing with a dual pathology.

The pre-operative assessment and surgical management of patients with dual pathology is challenging. We describe a patient with drug-resistant focal epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis and extensive periventricular nodular heterotopia in the same hemisphere. The semiology, scalp EEG, and imaging were divergent, but the presence of focal interictal and ictal epileptic discharges of the putative ictal onset zone resulted in successful localization of the epileptogenic zone. A less aggressive resection was performed based on intracranial EEG recording. The patient has been seizure-free for three years since resection. Electroclinical hypotheses and challenges in defining the epileptogenic network are discussed.