Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Mar 2019
Public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding epilepsy in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.
Epilepsy is a chronic condition and has significant negative consequences to quality of life. Misconceptions regarding epilepsy among communities with lower rates of education have led to false beliefs and ideas. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes about epilepsy in Saudi population at Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The public's general attitudes and awareness of epilepsy were quite good; however, knowledge regarding this medical condition is still inadequate. Thus, more campaigns are needed in order to increase societal awareness on epilepsy, obtaining help from governmental agencies, health institutions, mass media, and other health-related organizations.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Feb 2019
Invasive EEG-electrodes in presurgical evaluation of epilepsies: Systematic analysis of implantation-, video-EEG-monitoring- and explantation-related complications, and review of literature.
Stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) is a diagnostic procedure for patients with refractory focal epilepsies that is performed to localize and define the epileptogenic zone. In contrast to grid electrodes, sEEG electrodes are implanted using minimal invasive operation techniques without large craniotomies. Previous studies provided good evidence that sEEG implantation is a safe and effective procedure; however, complications in asymptomatic patients after explantation may be underreported. The aim of this analysis was to systematically analyze clinical and imaging data following implantation and explantation. ⋯ Overall, sEEG is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Systematic imaging after implantation and explantation helps to identify clinically silent complications of sEEG. In the literature, complication rates of up to 4.4% in sEEG and in 49.9% of subdural EEG are reported; however, systematic imaging after explantation was not performed throughout the studies, which may have led to underreporting of associated complications.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Jan 2019
Parents of a child with epilepsy: Views and expectations on receiving genetic results from Whole Genome Sequencing.
The use of Next Generation Sequencing technologies (NGS), such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), is expected to improve the often complex and protracted course of treatment of patients with epilepsy by providing an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. As part of the "Personalized medicine in the treatment of epilepsy" project, which aimed to determine whether WGS could be used as a valuable "diagnostic tool" in pharmacoresistant epilepsies, we examined parents' expectations, hopes, and concerns upon receiving results related to their child's epilepsy, comorbidities, resistance to medication, and genetic information on unrelated conditions, and how these results could impact their and their child's life. ⋯ Our results reinforce the importance of having clear guidelines to help parents manage their expectations and better navigate the complexities of receiving and sharing WGS results. Despite the small size of our sample, we believe that our results are meaningful to clinical practice.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Jan 2019
Association between seizure freedom and default mode network reorganization in patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy.
The spontaneous synchronized activity and intrinsic organization of the Default Mode Network (DMN) has been found to be altered because of epileptic activity of temporal lobe origin. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare DMN's topological properties in patients with seizure-free (SF) and not seizure-free (NSF) temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). ⋯ Seizure freedom seems to be associated with hub redistributions that may underlie longer paths and (in trend) reduced local efficiency of the network. An associated slower system response might reduce the probability of a rapid spread of epileptic discharges over the whole network and may help to prevent hypersynchronous neuronal activity in brain networks that may result in epileptic seizures.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Dec 2018
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT): Seizure outcomes for refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive alternative with less cognitive risks compared with traditional surgery for focal drug-resistant epilepsy. ⋯ Overall, Engel Class I outcome was achieved in 62% of patients with MTLE, and 97% of patients achieved >50% seizure frequency reduction. Complications were largely temporary, though there was one persistent visual field deficit. Laser ablation is well-tolerated and offers marked seizure reduction for the majority of patients.