Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

Guidelines recommend that encephalopathic critically ill children undergo continuous electroencephalographic (CEEG) monitoring for electrographic seizure (ES) identification and management. However, limited data exist on antiseizure medication (ASM) safety for ES treatment in critically ill children.

Methods

We performed a single‐center prospective observational study of encephalopathic critically ill children undergoing CEEG. Clinical and EEG features and ASM utilization patterns were evaluated. We determined the incidence, types, and risk factors for adverse events associated with ASM administration.

Results

A total of 472 consecutive critically ill children ...

Abstract

Objective

In Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg (GAERSs), epileptogenesis takes place during brain maturation and correlates with increased mRNA expression of D3 dopamine receptors (D3R). Whether these alterations are the consequence of seizure repetition or contribute to the development of epilepsy remains to be clarified. Here, we addressed the involvement of the dopaminergic system in epilepsy onset in GAERSs.

Methods

Experiments were performed using rats at different stages of brain maturation from three strains according to their increasing propensity to develop absence ...

Abstract

Objective

Geographic differences in epilepsy prevalence between areas of different socioeconomic standing have been demonstrated in the United Kingdom, but knowledge from other health care systems is scarce. Our objective was to compare epilepsy prevalence and emergency medical service (EMS) assignments for seizures in areas of different socioeconomic standings in the urban area of Gothenburg.

Methods

Register‐based study in Gothenburg (population 690 000), the second largest city in Sweden. Epilepsy cases were identified in the comprehensive national patient register in 2014‐2015. EMS assignments were ...

Abstract

Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is a common structural malformation of cortical development. Mutations in the filamin A gene are frequent in familial cases with X‐linked PNH. However, many cases with sporadic PNH remain genetically unexplained. Although medically refractory epilepsy often brings attention to the underlying PNH, patients are often not candidates for surgical resection. This limits access to neuronal tissue harboring causal mutations. We evaluated a patient with PNH and medically refractory focal epilepsy who underwent a presurgical evaluation with ...

Abstract

Machine learning leverages statistical and computer science principles to develop algorithms capable of improving performance through interpretation of data rather than through explicit instructions. Alongside widespread use in image recognition, language processing, and data mining, machine learning techniques have received increasing attention in medical applications, ranging from automated imaging analysis to disease forecasting. This review examines the parallel progress made in epilepsy, highlighting applications in automated seizure detection from electroencephalography (EEG), video, and kinetic data, automated imaging analysis and pre‐surgical ...

Abstract

Objective

Considering the complexity of neuronal circuits and their epilepsy‐associated alterations, epilepsy models cannot be completely replaced by in vitro experimental approaches. Decisions about ethical approval of in vivo studies require a thorough weighing of the animal’s burden and the benefit regarding the expected gain in knowledge.

Methods

Based on combined behavioral, biochemical, and physiological analyses, we assessed the impact on animal well‐being and condition in different phases of the pilocarpine post–status epilepticus (SE) model in rats.

Results

As a consequence of SE, increased levels ...

Abstract

Individual seizure rates are highly volatile, with large fluctuations from month‐to‐month. Nevertheless, changes in individual mean seizure rates are used to measure whether or not trial participants successfully respond to treatment. This study aims to quantify the challenges in identifying individual treatment responders in epilepsy. A power calculation was performed to determine the trial duration required to detect a significant 50% decrease in seizure rates (P <  .05) for individuals. Seizure rate simulations were also performed to determine the number of people ...