Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

The cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc− could represent a new target for antiepileptogenic treatments due to its crucial roles in glutamate homeostasis and neuroinflammation. To demonstrate this, we compared epilepsy development and seizure susceptibility in xCT knockout mice (xCT^−/−) and in littermate controls (xCT^+/+) in different chronic models of epilepsy.

Methods

Mice were surgically implanted with electrodes in the basolateral amygdala and chronically stimulated to develop self‐sustained status epilepticus (SSSE); continuous video‐electroencephalography monitoring was performed for 28 days after SE and hippocampal histopathology was ...

Abstract

Neuroimaging techniques applied to a variety of organisms—from zebrafish, to rodents to humans—can offer valuable insights into neuronal network properties and their dysfunction in epilepsy. A wide range of imaging methods used to monitor neuronal circuits and networks during evoked seizures in animal models and advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) applied to patients with epilepsy were discussed during the XIV Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy (XIV WONOEP) organized in 2017 by the Neurobiology Commission of the International League ...

Abstract

Objective

Focal edema of the splenium of the corpus callosum (FESCC) is infrequently seen in patients with epilepsy who are undergoing video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. It is diagnosed by qualitative visual inspection of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and is usually assumed to be a dichotomous phenomenon. Rapid reduction of anticonvulsants has been proposed as a cause. In this study we investigate the relationship between dose reduction of anticonvulsants and the occurrence of FESCC, based on absolute drug doses.

Methods

We examined in detail ...

Abstract

Objective

To examine health care costs in diverse older Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy.

Methods

Using 2008‐2010 claims data, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study of a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries augmented for minority representation. Epilepsy cases (n = 36 912) had ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD‐9) 345.x or ≥2 ICD‐9 780.3x claims, and ≥1 antiepileptic drug (AED) in 2009; new cases (n = 3706) had no seizure/epilepsy claims nor AEDs in the previous 365 days. Costs were measured by reimbursements for all care received. High ...

Abstract

Objective

To assess hippocampal signal changes on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) during the acute period after febrile status epilepticus (FSE) and to examine the relationship between DWI and subsequent epilepsy.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter study of children with a first episode of FSE was performed. The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 days of FSE, and signal intensity was evaluated on DWI. Electroencephalography studies within 3 days of FSE were also assessed. Nine to 13 years after FSE, information on subsequent epilepsy was obtained.

Results

Twenty‐two children ...

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the perfusion computed tomography (PCT) patterns in patients with status epilepticus (SE).

Methods

We included consecutive SE patients, diagnosed by ictal encephalography (EEG) findings and clinical semiology, who prospectively underwent a dedicated PCT study of SE in the ictal phase. The perfusion maps were visually analyzed. For the quantitative assessment, regions of interest in areas where the maps suggested abnormalities were compared with the corresponding area in the unaffected contralateral cortex. Asymmetry indices between affected and unaffected hemispheres were calculated ...

Summary

Objective

To examine the long‐term outcome of psychological status, personality, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and to define predictors of favorable outcome of cessation of PNES.

Method

Patients diagnosed with PNES during video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring at the Erlangen Epilepsy Center were contacted 1‐16 years after communicating the diagnosis. Follow‐up information from each participant was obtained by interview (PNES outcome) and by self‐reported questionnaires of psychological symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Symptom Checklist‐90‐Standard, Dissociative Symptoms questionnaire), personality traits ...

Summary

Objective

Animal models of chronic epilepsy with spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) may be useful in the discovery and mechanistic analyses of antiseizure drugs (ASDs). Carbamazepine (CBZ), a widely used ASD with a well‐defined mechanism, was analyzed in this proof‐of‐principle study to determine how a traditional ASD affects the properties of SRSs.

Methods

The effects of CBZ on electrographic SRSs recorded from the dentate gyrus were studied in freely behaving rats using a repeated, low‐dose kainate model of acquired epilepsy with a repeated‐measures, crossover ...

Summary

Objective

Over one‐third of all patients with epilepsy are refractory to treatment and there is an urgent need to develop new drugs that can prevent the development and progression of epilepsy. Epileptogenesis is characterized by distinct histopathologic and biochemical changes, which include astrogliosis and increased expression of the adenosine‐metabolizing enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK; EC 2.7.1.20). Increased expression of ADK contributes to epileptogenesis and is therefore a target for therapeutic intervention. We tested the prediction that the transient use of an ADK ...