Epilepsia
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Review Comparative Study
Estimating the cost of epilepsy in Europe: a review with economic modeling.
Based on available epidemiologic, health economic, and international population statistics literature, the cost of epilepsy in Europe was estimated. ⋯ Epilepsy is a relevant socioeconomic burden at individual, family, health services, and societal level in Europe. The greater proportion of such burden is outside the formal health care sector, antiepileptic drugs representing a smaller proportion. Lack of economic data from several European countries and other methodological limitations make this report an initial estimate of the cost of epilepsy in Europe. Prospective incidence cost-of-illness studies from well-defined populations and common methodology are encouraged.
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Comparative Study
Electroencephalographic characterization of spike-wave discharges in cortex and thalamus in WAG/Rij rats.
The waveform of spontaneous spike-wave discharges (SWD) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) was delineated in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy according to the definitions of clinical electroencephalography. We defined four elements in SWD based on the schema of Weir (1965): Spike 1 and 2, Positive Transient (PT), and Wave. The EEG patterns of generalized type I and local type II SWD in cortical and thalamic areas were analyzed. ⋯ The EEG structure of SWD in WAG/Rij rats was comparable with that of epileptic patients, suggesting face validity of the WAG/Rij model. Fast transients spikes are an integrative part of SWD I. Time-amplitude linkage between cortical and thalamic counterparts of SWD I suggests a complex spatiotemporal organization of SWD I. The thalamus sustained SWD I, but not SWD II.
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Comparative Study
Convulsive status epilepticus: clinical profile in a developing country.
In developing countries optimal care of status epilepticus (SE) is associated with major barriers, particularly transportation. ⋯ This study suggests that longer duration of SE and acute symptomatic etiology are independent predictors of lack of response to first-line drugs. Failure to respond to first-line drugs and duration predict the outcome.