Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Feb 2006
Comparative StudyDetermining empirically based self-reported cognitive change: development of reliable change indices and standardized regression-based change norms for the multiple abilities self-report questionnaire in an epilepsy sample.
Reliable change indices (RCIs) and standardized regression-based (SRB) change score norms were calculated for a measure of self-reported cognitive function, the Multiple Abilities Self-Report Questionnaire (MASQ), in patients with complex partial seizures. Establishment of such standardized change scores could be useful in determining the magnitude and direction of self-appraised cognitive change after epilepsy surgery or other treatment interventions. The primary study objective was to calculate RCI and SRB values for the MASQ. A secondary objective was to report SRB change scores in patients who had undergone anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and to assess relationships between self-reported cognitive change, seizure outcome, objective memory test performance, and mood. ⋯ SRB methodology provides a standardized technique with which to establish patient perception of cognitive change and may be of use when examining change across individual- and group-level ratings of cognitive functioning in clinical and research settings. These techniques also provide a common metric for direct comparison between subjective self-report ratings of cognitive function and objective cognitive test instruments.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Feb 2006
Case ReportsRecurrent status epilepticus as the main feature of Hashimoto's encephalopathy.
Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a severe but treatable condition that rarely complicates Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Clinically it is characterized by progressive or relapsing symptoms, including tremor, myoclonus, stroke-like episodes, seizures, impairment of consciousness, and dementia. ⋯ Our observation confirms that the clinical spectrum of HE at presentation is heterogeneous and diagnosis is often difficult. This case highlights the crucial importance of antithyroid antibody measurement in patients presenting with otherwise unexplained episodes of GCSE with or without adjunctive signs of encephalopathy or thyroiditis.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Feb 2006
Posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder is common in parents of children with epilepsy.
The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and major depressive disorder (MDD) in parents of children with epilepsy. ⋯ These findings suggest that a significant proportion of parents of children with epilepsy experience PTSD and MDD. Increased awareness of the clinical presentations of these disorders may help clinicians to develop preventive and intervention strategies for parents of children with epilepsy.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Feb 2006
ReviewVagus nerve stimulation use and effect in epilepsy: what have we learned?
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy has been available in the United States for 8 years. Pivotal randomized, blinded clinical trials leading to FDA approval in patients age 12 and older with refractory partial seizures have not been performed for other age groups or epilepsy syndromes. This practical review takes stock of the current information about VNS use and efficacy in various types of epilepsy. ⋯ We review adverse events and VNS effects on respiratory patterns, cardiac function, and mood and behavior. With the recent U. S. approval of VNS for treatment-resistant depression, we anticipate that lessons learned from treating patients with epilepsy will be useful to physicians using VNS to treat patients with depression and possibly other conditions.