Seizure : the journal of the British Epilepsy Association
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Cardiac asystole is known to cause clinical manifestations mimicking seizures. The recognition of this uncommon phenomenon is important to expedite appropriate clinical intervention and avoid unnecessary morbidity as well as potential mortality. ⋯ Cardiac asystole can be associated with features closely mimicking seizures. Recurrent episodes of cardiac asystole can be stereotypical in a given patient. There are some diagnostic clues in semiology.
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Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a common neurologic emergency in elderly people. The current study elaborates the clinical characteristics and outcome of CSE in elderly patients. ⋯ Less than one-third of elderly patients with CSE progressed to RSE. Vascular aetiology, the leading cause of generalized CSE in elderly, was not associated with progression to RSE and mortality. Acute symptomatic aetiology was associated with high mortality.
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Anti-NMDAR-encephalitis is a recently described form of autoimmune encephalitis. Here, we characterize CSF changes in Chinese patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and explore the relationship between CSF findings and disease outcome. ⋯ The sensitivity of NMDA receptor antibody testing is higher in CSF compared to serum. Other CSF abnormalities are present in some patients with Anti-NMDAR-encephalitis, however these changes do not appear to affect prognosis.
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Multicenter Study
Long-term efficacy and safety of lacosamide monotherapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures: A multicenter evaluation.
The goal of this study is to report the efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide (LCM) monotherapy, as first-line and conversion regimens, in the treatment of patients with partial-onset seizures. ⋯ In our series more than two-thirds of the patients remained seizure-free on LCM monotherapy. Side effects were generally mild and led to discontinuation in only 3/66 (4.5%) patients. Our experience suggests that LCM monotherapy, either as first-line or after conversion, may be a valuable option for patients with focal epilepsy.
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Observational Study
Intravenous levetiracetam in clinical practice--Results from an independent registry.
Most common clinical studies with antiepileptic drugs do not reflect medical everyday practice due to their strict in- and exclusion criteria and specifications of treatment regimens. Here we present a large non-interventional registry with the intention to evaluate the spectrum of applications in daily use and the efficacy and tolerability of intravenously given levetiracetam (LEV-iv). ⋯ In this large observational study of everyday practise the use of LEV-iv exhibited a remarkable good response and tolerability in patients with acute onset seizures (mostly SE). Further randomized controlled studies, like the established status epilepticus trial (ESET) are needed to confirm these findings.