Epilepsia
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To describe the clinical characteristics of children with a first-time nonfebrile seizure in the setting of mild illness and to test the hypothesis that these seizures are associated with illness characterized by diarrhea. ⋯ Nonfebrile illness seizures may represent a distinct group of seizures with unique epidemiology. Further study to define this seizure group better is warranted.
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The effect of systemic administration of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-transaminase inhibitor vigabatrin (VGB) on different components of convulsions was tested in the model of audiogenically kindled seizures, which consist of brainstem (running, tonus) and forebrain (clonus) elements. ⋯ VGB more effectively suppresses clonic convulsions than running and tonic ones in audiogenically kindled rats. It is supposed that this selective anticonvulsive effect of VGB results from different sensitivities of forebrain and brainstem epileptic networks to the presumed GABA enhancement.
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Comparative Study
Anticonvulsant properties of the novel nootropic agent nefiracetam in seizure models of mice and rats.
Nefiracetam (NEF) is a novel pyrrolidone-type nootropic agent, and it has been reported to possess various pharmacologic effects as well as cognition-enhancing effects. The present study focused on the anticonvulsant effect of NEF and its potential for antiepileptic therapy. ⋯ These results suggest that NEF has distinct anticonvulsant spectrum and mechanisms from those of LEV. NEF is an orally active and safe AED, and it possesses a potential for antiepileptic therapy.
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To our knowledge, the epileptic and nonepileptic electroencephalographic (EEG) discharges recorded within the human mammillary body (MB) and mammillothalamic tract (MTT) areas have never been published. Herein, we present the EEG recordings from these structures in patients with refractory epilepsy (RE). ⋯ The analysis of our depth EEG revealed that the theta-beta pattern represents the predominant physiologic profile of MB. Paroxysmal epileptiform discharges can be observed in human MB. These data supplement those available from animal observations.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Development of a validated clinical case definition of generalized tonic-clonic seizures for use by community-based health care providers.
To develop and test a clinical case definition for identification of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) by community-based health care providers. ⋯ Based on these criteria, we recommend that all patients with a history of two or more episodes of jerking or rigidity of limbs, having a score of > or =4 in the case definition, be identified as having GTCSs and started on antiepileptic medications. This clinical case definition can be very useful for community-based health care providers to identify and manage cases of GTCSs in the community. This should play a major role in the reduction of treatment gap for epilepsy in developing countries.