American journal of electroneurodiagnostic technology
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Reflex seizures are evoked by a specific afferent stimulus or by activity of the patient and are divided into those characterized by generalized seizures and those principally manifested by focal seizures. Reflex epilepsies are syndromes in which all epileptic seizures are precipitated by sensory stimuli. Three categories of reflex seizures encountered clinically include pure reflex epilepsies, reflex seizures that occur in generalized or focal epilepsy syndromes that are also associated with spontaneous seizures, and isolated reflex seizures occurring in situations that do not necessarily require a diagnosis of epilepsy. ⋯ The triggers include reading, writing, other language functions, startle, somatosensory stimulation, proprioception, auditory stimuli, immersion in hot water, eating, and vestibular stimulation. The classification and characteristics of reflex seizures and epilepsies are described in this review. Findings on EEG and advanced neuroimaging in the reflex seizures and epilepsies, treatment and preventive options, and animal models and mechanisms are also discussed.
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Am J Electroneurodiagnostic Technol · Sep 2004
ReviewContinuous EEG monitoring in the intensive care unit.
It is now feasible and desirable to continuously monitor brain function with EEG in critically ill patients. Nonconvulsive seizures are more common than previously recognized and may contribute to impaired mental status and brain injury. Alerting stimuli commonly elicit periodic or ictal-appearing EEG patterns. ⋯ The intensive care unit poses many technical difficulties for EEG acquisition, and artifact recognition is more important than ever. Recording synchronized video with EEG is essential for maximizing the efficiency and accuracy of cEEG interpretation, and quantitative EEG analysis can be quite helpful. The role of the EEG technologist is particularly important in these patients to aid in recognizing and minimizing artifact, to enhance communication between electroencephalographers and clinicians, to assess the effect of alerting stimuli, and to note possible subtle clinical correlates of electrographic seizures.