Seizure : the journal of the British Epilepsy Association
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Postictal pulmonary edema (PPE) is almost invariably present in human and animal cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) coming to autopsy. PPE may be a contributing factor in SUDEP. The incidence of postictal PPE is unknown. We retrospectively investigated PPE following generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) in the epilepsy monitoring unit. ⋯ Radiographic abnormalities are not uncommon following GTCS. The presence of CXR abnormality is significantly associated with the duration of the preceding GTCS. Severe, untreated PPE may be relevant to the pathophysiology of SUDEP.
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To evaluate the electroclinical features, treatment effectiveness, and outcome of 59 patients with epileptic encephalopathy with electrical status epilepticus during sleep. ⋯ The long-term outcome of ESES is highly variable and usually depends on etiology and the duration of ESES. The most efficious antiepileptic drugs in our study are clobazam and levetiracetam.
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Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has proved useful in measuring significant hemodynamic changes in the brain during epileptic seizures. The advance of NIRS-technology into wireless and portable devices raises the possibility of using the NIRS-technology for portable seizure detection. ⋯ NIRS did not seem to be a suitable technology for generic seizure detection given the device, settings, and methods used in this study. There are still several challenges to overcome before the NIRS-technology can be used as a home-monitoring seizure detection device.
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Case Reports
Cardiac-based vagus nerve stimulation reduced seizure duration in a patient with refractory epilepsy.
A novel vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device was recently approved in Europe which rapidly detects increases in heart rates (HR) and applies an additional stimulus if HR-increases exceed a given threshold. The effects of HR-triggered VNS-pulses on seizures were not reported yet under controlled conditions. Here, we quantified the effects of HR-triggered VNS-pulses on the seizure duration in one patient. ⋯ This case illustrates that VNS-stimulation in response to seizure-related HR-increases is able to significantly reduce seizure duration. Despite the limitations of our case, its promising results should prompt larger studies to confirm the clinical benefit of this novel device.
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To review the evidence for efficacy and safety of lacosamide in adult patients with refractory epilepsy and refractory status epilepticus (RSE). ⋯ Based on evidence to date, adjunctive lacosamide is a treatment option to reduce seizure frequency in patients with refractory epilepsy and terminate seizures in patients with RSE. The safety information summary can be used to advise patients of potential adverse effects.