Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Sep 2010
Challenge dose of methamphetamine affects kainic acid-induced seizures differently depending on prenatal methamphetamine exposure, sex, and estrous cycle.
Even though it is obvious that glutamate plays an important role in the effect of psychostimulants on seizures, the role of non-NMDA receptors remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to determine whether acute methamphetamine (MA) administration changes sensitivity to seizures induced with kainic acid in prenatally MA-exposed adult rats. ⋯ Our results demonstrated that a single injection of MA (1mg/kg) affects kainic acid-induced seizures differently depending on prenatal exposure, sex, and female estrous cycle. Even though daily injections of MA (5mg/kg) in maternal rats did not have a long-term effect on susceptibility to seizures induced with kainic acid in adult progeny, sensitivity to the challenge dose of MA differed between the prenatal exposure groups.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Aug 2010
Moderating effect of optimism on emotional distress and seizure control in adults with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Stress is a commonly reported seizure precipitant among individuals with epilepsy. Yet, the relationship between stress and seizure susceptibility remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between emotional distress and lifetime seizure load in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), as well as the potential moderating effect of explanatory style on this relationship. ⋯ Elevated Scale 2 scores were associated with an increase in seizure load only in subjects with Full Scale IQ scores> or =92. An interaction between emotional distress and explanatory style was not observed. Thus, for individuals with higher levels of intelligence, depression may be an important pathway in linking emotional distress to poor seizure control.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Aug 2010
Case ReportsA case of frontal lobe epilepsy in which amplitude-integrated EEG combined with conventional EEG was useful for evaluating clusters of seizures.
Accurate evaluation of status epilepticus or clusters of seizures in patients with epilepsy is a critical issue in epilepsy care units. Although the need for continuous electroencephalographic monitoring has been recognized, it has been difficult to evaluate the frequency of ictal changes in electroencephalography (EEG) data in real time. ⋯ We employed aEEG in combination with conventional EEG in an 11-year old boy presenting with clusters of seizures and were able to accurately evaluate the frequency of seizures in real time. The combination of aEEG and conventional EEG may be a useful tool in both neonatal intensive care units and epilepsy care units.
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Prolonged video/EEG monitoring is the main activity of referral tertiary epilepsy centers. Occasionally, monitoring is repeated in the same patient, but this subgroup has not been specifically studied. The purpose of this study was to analyze repeated video/EEG monitoring. ⋯ Of these, 43 (4.0%) were "redos." The most common indication for repeat video/EEG monitoring was evidence of focal epilepsy with no recorded seizures, followed by normal interictal EEG with no recorded episodes. The second session answered the question in 35 (81%) cases, whereas the question remained unanswered in 8 (19%). The repeated session was useful in 35 (81%) cases.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Jul 2010
Cumulative effect of vagus nerve stimulators on intractable seizures observed over a period of 3years.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) therapy and identify factors associated with reduction of seizures. The VNS is an accepted therapeutic option for patients with refractory partial epilepsy. There are, however, limited data regarding efficacy in any specific group of patients with epilepsy. ⋯ Significant reductions in seizure frequency were noted with VNS therapy over a 3-year follow-up period with a possible cumulative effect. Lateralization or localization of epileptic focus or epilepsy subtype did not correlate with response to VNSs.