Epilepsy research
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Valproate (VPA) administration may be associated with adverse metabolic effects, among is hyperammonemia, which could suggest metabolic abnormalities as carnitine deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the risk frequency of hyperammonemia and abnormal carnitine levels in children receiving VPA who were otherwise free of neurological or obvious nutritional problems. ⋯ Epileptic children treated with VPA and free of neurological disabilities are at risk for hyperammonemia that may be associated with hypocarnitinemia. Patients will benefit from early recognition and preventive measures as carnitine supplementation.
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To determine the changes of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the periictal phase in status epilepticus (SE). ⋯ In this study, DWIs and FLAIR images were proved useful in determining the extent and severity of early neuronal damage caused by epileptic discharges in SE patients. Seizure-induced long-term injuries were also observed in the follow-up MRI.
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Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most resistant type of epilepsy. Currently available drugs for epilepsy are not antiepileptogenic. A novel treatment for epilepsy would be to block or reverse the process of epileptogenesis. ⋯ However, IF regimen could not protect the hippocampal neurons against the excitotoxic injury caused by a prolonged SE. We conclude that IF regimen can significantly influence various behavioral characteristics of pilocarpine model of TLE. Further studies can elaborate the exact mechanisms as well as its possible role in the treatment of human TLE.