Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

The role of α_2A adrenergic receptors (α_2AARs) in absence epilepsy is not well characterized. Therefore, we investigated the outcomes of the specific antagonism of α_2AARs on the spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWDs) in genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERSs), together with its influence on the behavior and second messenger systems, which may point to the mechanisms to which a possible SWD modulation can be related.

Methods

Atipamezole, an α_2AAR antagonist, was administered intracerebroventricularly to the adult GAERSs, and electroencephalography (EEG) was conducted. The ...

Abstract

White matter undergoes rapid development in the neonatal period. Its structure during and after development is influenced by neuronal activity. Pathological neuronal activity, as in seizures, might alter white matter, which in turn may contribute to network dysfunction. Neonatal epilepsy presents an opportunity to investigate seizures and early white matter development. Our objective was to determine whether neonatal seizures in the absence of brain injury or congenital anomalies are associated with altered white matter microstructure. In this retrospective case‐control study ...

Abstract

Objective

To determine the roles of shared and distinct genetic influences on generalized and focal epilepsy operating in individuals who manifest features of both types (combined epilepsies), and in families manifesting both generalized and focal epilepsies in separate individuals (mixed families).

Methods

We analyzed the deeply phenotyped Epi4K cohort of multiplex families (≥3 affected individuals per family) using methods that quantify the aggregation of phenotypes within families and the relatedness of individuals with different phenotypes within family pedigrees.

Results

The cohort included 281 families containing ...

Abstract

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics and evaluate the long‐term treatment outcomes in older people with newly diagnosed epilepsy over the past 30 years.

Methods

We included patients newly diagnosed with epilepsy and commenced on antiseizure medications (ASMs) at age 65 years or older between July 1982 and October 2012 at the Western infirmary in Glasgow, Scotland. They were followed up until April 2016 or death. Seizure freedom was defined as no seizure for at least 1 year on unchanged medication at the last follow‐up.

Results

A total ...

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the etiology and longitudinal clinical, neuropsychological, psychosocial, and surgical outcome profile of patients with medication refractory epilepsy and temporal encephaloceles with a view to highlight diagnostic clues and management strategies.

Methods

The comprehensive epilepsy program databases at two surgical epilepsy centers from January 2000 to October 2018 were reviewed for this observational study, to identify patients with encephaloceles causing temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and treated with surgical resection. Their clinical, radiological, neuropsychological, psychiatric, and surgical data were obtained. Body mass ...

Abstract

Objective

Ablation surgery has become the first line of treatment for hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs). For effective treatment, optimum targeting of ablation is mandatory. The present study aimed to evaluate the correspondence between the electrophysiological features of HHs and morphological targeting by semimicrorecording during stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SRT).

Methods

Eighty HH patients who underwent SRT were involved. Semimicrorecording was performed on the first trajectory. The distance from the center of the target at the morphological border (TMB) determined by magnetic resonance imaging, differences in ...

Abstract

Objective

Interactions between enzyme‐inducing anti‐seizure medications (EI‐ASMs) and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) can lead to decreased ARV levels and may increase the likelihood of viral resistance. We conducted a study to determine if co‐usage of ARVs and EI‐ASMs is associated with ARV‐resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people living with HIV in Zambia.

Methods

Eligible participants were ≥18 years of age and concurrently taking ASMs and ARVs for at least 1 month of the prior 6‐month period. Data were obtained regarding medication and HIV history. CD4 ...

Abstract

Objective

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare cause of severe and pharmacoresistant epileptic encephalopathy. Stiripentol (STP) has a significant therapeutic benefit in the pediatric DS population. However, STP effects on adult patients have not been well studied. In our adult STP‐naive DS patient population, STP initiation was associated with encephalopathy, despite decreases in valproate and clobazam dosage. Here we explored the cause and treatment of encephalopathic manifestations associated with STP in adults.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with a confirmed clinical and genetic diagnosis of ...

Abstract

Objective

Fenfluramine has been shown to provide clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in convulsive seizure frequency in children and adolescents (aged 2‐18 years) with Dravet syndrome in two randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials. The objective of this analysis was to assess longer‐term safety and efficacy of fenfluramine in patients who completed one of the double‐blind studies and entered an open‐label extension (OLE) study.

Methods

Patients enrolling in the OLE study initiated fenfluramine at 0.2 mg/kg/d regardless of their treatment assignment in the double‐blind study. After ...