Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · May 2010
ReviewPhenomenology of hallucinations, illusions, and delusions as part of seizure semiology.
In partial epilepsy, a localized hypersynchronous neuronal discharge evolving into a partial seizure affecting a particular cortical region or cerebral subsystem can give rise to subjective symptoms, which are perceived by the affected person only, that is, ictal hallucinations, illusions, or delusions. When forming the beginning of a symptom sequence leading to impairment of consciousness and/or a classic generalized seizure, these phenomena are referred to as an epileptic aura, but they also occur in isolation. They often manifest in the fully awake state, as part of simple partial seizures, but they also can be associated to different degrees of disturbed consciousness. ⋯ Here we suggest a classification into elementary sensory, complex sensory, and complex integratory seizure symptoms. Epileptic hallucinations, illusions, and delusions shine interesting light on the physiology and functional anatomy of brain regions involved and their functions in the human being. This article, in which 10 cases are described, introduces the fascinating phenomenology of subjective seizure symptoms.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · May 2009
ReviewThe differential diagnosis of epilepsy: a critical review.
The wrong diagnosis of epilepsy is common. At referral epilepsy centers, psychogenic non-epileptic attacks are by far the most common condition found to have been misdiagnosed as epilepsy, with an average delay of 7-10 years. There are many "red flags" that can raise the suspicion of psychogenic non-epileptic attacks. ⋯ Other conditions more rarely misdiagnosed as epilepsy include hypoglycemia, panic attacks, paroxysmal movement disorders, paroxysmal sleep disorders, TIAs, migraines, and TGA. Conditions specific to children include nonepileptic staring spells, breath-holding spells, and shudder attacks. At all ages, the over-interpretation of EEGs plays an important part in the misdiagnosis of epilepsy.
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Status epilepticus (SE) is a major neurological emergency with an incidence of about 20/100,000 and a mortality between 3 and 40% depending on etiology, age, status type, and status duration. Generalized tonic-clonic SE, in particular, requires immediate, aggressive, and effective treatment to stop seizure activity, and to prevent neuronal damage and systemic complications and death. Benzodiazepines and phenytoin/fosphenytoin are traditionally used as first-line drugs and are effective in about 60% of all episodes. ⋯ Therefore, there is a need for more effective first-line treatment options. Recently, valproic acid was approved for the treatment of status epilepticus in some European countries, and two of the newer antiepileptic drugs have become available for intravenous use: Levetiracetam (LEV) and lacosamide (LCM) should be evaluated in prospective controlled trials as possible treatment options. Standardized protocols for the management of SE are useful to improve immediate care.
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The focus on gender-related issues for women with epilepsy has heightened in recent years. The emphasis, however, has been on the childbearing years. Epilepsy and antiepileptic drug treatment affect sexual development, the menstrual cycle, and aspects of contraception, fertility, and reproduction. ⋯ Conditions and diseases that specifically affect women are discussed. The role of hormones across the life cycle--endogenous and exogenous hormones and their effects on drug interactions, drug metabolism, and therapeutic outcomes--is described. Contraception and pregnancy issues for women with epilepsy have received the appropriate attention.
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During the past decade, substantial progress has been made in delineating clinical features of the epilepsies and the basic mechanisms responsible for these disorders. Eleven human epilepsy genes have been identified and many more are now known from animal models. Candidate targets for cures are now based upon newly identified cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie epileptogenesis. ⋯ Cognitive, emotional and behavioral co-morbidities are common and offer fruitful areas for study. These advances in understanding mechanisms are being matched by the rapid development of new diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches. This article reviews these areas of progress and suggests specific goals that once accomplished promise to lead to cures for epilepsy.