Epilepsia
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Weight gain or loss is not an integral part of epilepsy although a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain. Pharmacological treatment for epilepsy may be associated with substantial weight changes that may increase morbidity and impair adherence to the treatment regimen. ⋯ Weight neutral AEDs are lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and phenytoin. In clinical practice it is critical to weigh patients regularly and AED selection should be based on each patient's profile without sacrificing therapeutic efficacy.
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While the treatment of refractory status epilepticus (SE) relies on the use of anesthetic agents, mostly barbiturates, propofol, or midazolam, the study of the available literature discloses that the evidence level is low. Therapeutic coma induction appears straightforward for generalized convulsive or subtle SE, but this approach is debated for complex partial SE. ⋯ However, it seems that the biological background of the patient (especially the etiology) remains the main prognostic determinant in SE. There is a clear need of controlled trials regarding this topic.
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Comparative Study
Hemispheric surgery in children with refractory epilepsy: seizure outcome, complications, and adaptive function.
To describe seizure control, complications, adaptive function and language skills following hemispheric surgery for epilepsy. ⋯ Hemispheric surgery is an effective therapy for refractory epilepsy in children. The most common complication was bleeding. Duration of epilepsy prior to surgery is an important factor in determining adaptive outcome.
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Comparative Study
MEG predicts outcome following surgery for intractable epilepsy in children with normal or nonfocal MRI findings.
To identify the predictors of postsurgical seizure freedom in children with refractory epilepsy and normal or nonfocal MRI findings. ⋯ Surgery for intractable epilepsy in children with normal MRI findings provided good postsurgical outcomes in the majority of our patients. As well, restricted ictal onset zone predicted postoperative seizure freedom. Postoperative seizure freedom was less likely to occur in children with bilateral MEG dipole clusters or only scattered dipoles, multiple seizure types and incomplete resection of the proposed epileptogenic zone. Seizure freedom was most likely to occur when there was concordance between EEG and MEG localization and least likely to occur when these results were divergent.
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In December 1946, a joint meeting devoted to epilepsy research and care was held by the Association for the Research in Nervous and Mental Disease and the American Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy. The American Epilepsy Society (AES) has chosen this date and this meeting to mark its founding and recognizes Dr. Charles D. ⋯ Based on this historical review, it is recommended that the AES recognize 1936 as the year of its founding and Dr. William G. Lennox as its founder and first president.