Kinesigenic attacks with ictal electroencephalographic abnormalities

The epileptic and nonepileptic spectrum of paroxysmal dyskinesias: Channelopathies, synaptopathies, and transportopathies

Historically, the syndrome of primary paroxysmal dyskinesias was considered a group of disorders as a result of ion channel dysfunction. This proposition was primarily based on the discovery of mutations in ion channels, which caused other episodic neurological disorders such as epilepsy and migraine and also supported by the frequent association between paroxysmal dyskinesias and epilepsy. However, the discovery of the genes responsible for the 3 classic forms of paroxysmal dyskinesias disproved this ion channel theory. On the other hand, novel gene mutations implicating ion channels have been recently reported to produce episodic movement disorders clinically similar to the classic paroxysmal dyskinesias. Here, we review the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of the paroxysmal dyskinesias, further proposing a pathophysiological framework according to which they can be classified as synaptopathies (proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 and myofibrillogenesis regulator gene), channelopathies (calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1 and voltage-gated sodium channel type 8), or transportopathies (solute carrier family 2 member 1). This proposal might serve to explain similarities and differences among the various paroxysmal dyskinesias in terms of clinical features, treatment response, and natural history. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Benign infantile seizures and paroxysmal dyskinesia caused by an SCN8A mutation

OBJECTIVE

Benign familial infantile seizures (BFIS), paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD), and their combination-known as infantile convulsions and paroxysmal choreoathetosis (ICCA)-are related autosomal dominant diseases. PRRT2 (proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 gene) has been identified as the major gene in all 3 conditions, found to be mutated in 80 to 90% of familial and 30 to 35% of sporadic cases.

METHODS

We searched for the genetic defect in PRRT2-negative, unrelated families with BFIS or ICCA using whole exome or targeted gene panel sequencing, and performed a detailed cliniconeurophysiological workup.

RESULTS

In 3 families with a total of 16 affected members, we identified the same, cosegregating heterozygous missense mutation (c.4447G>A; p.E1483K) in SCN8A, encoding a voltage-gated sodium channel. A founder effect was excluded by linkage analysis. All individuals except 1 had normal cognitive and motor milestones, neuroimaging, and interictal neurological status. Fifteen affected members presented with afebrile focal or generalized tonic-clonic seizures during the first to second year of life; 5 of them experienced single unprovoked seizures later on. One patient had seizures only at school age. All patients stayed otherwise seizure-free, most without medication. Interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) was normal in all cases but 2. Five of 16 patients developed additional brief paroxysmal episodes in puberty, either dystonic/dyskinetic or "shivering" attacks, triggered by stretching, motor initiation, or emotional stimuli. In 1 case, we recorded typical PKD spells by video-EEG-polygraphy, documenting a cortical involvement.

INTERPRETATION

Our study establishes SCN8A as a novel gene in which a recurrent mutation causes BFIS/ICCA, expanding the clinical-genetic spectrum of combined epileptic and dyskinetic syndromes.

Clinical features of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: report of 24 cases

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is the most common type of paroxysmal dyskinesia and is characterized by involuntary, intermittent movements induced by sudden movements. Here, we describe 24 patients with PKD, whose clinical data were analyzed. The attacks of involuntary movements were all short lasting, and could involve extremities, trunk, neck, or face without alteration of consciousness. The motor function was normal between attacks, and in some cases, attacks could be evoked during examination. Most patients had normal electroencephalogram (EEG) and neuroimaging results, but 2 cases had abnormal EEGs, and another 2 cases had bilateral calcification of basal ganglion on brain computed tomography (CT) scans. Previous history of misdiagnosis was a predominant feature, while treatments based on misdiagnosis sometimes did lead to improvement. Here, we discuss the clinical characteristics, especially the abnormalities of investigations and misdiagnosis, and recent insights into the pathophysiology of PKD.

Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis: from first discovery in 1892 to genetic linkage with benign familial infantile convulsions

Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC) is presently clearly designated as a familial movement disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance. We identified a family of PKC, in which 6 out of 23 members were affected, and 4 of the affected members had a history of infantile convulsions. Thus, this family was also considered as a case of infantile convulsions with paroxysmal choreoathetosis (ICCA). Video-EEG monitoring of two affected members suggested that PKC is less likely to be a form of reflex epilepsy, despite the existence of a history of infantile convulsions. Linkage analysis on eight Japanese families, including this family, defined the locus of PKC within the pericentromeric region of chromosome 16. ICCA and a form of autosomal dominant benign familial infantile convulsions (BFIC) were both mapped to the same or nearby region for PKC on chromosome 16. Additionally and quite unexpectedly, the locus of wet/dry ear wax (cerumen) was found to be located in the same region. Lastly, it was pointed out that the priority of the first discovery of PKC in the world should go to a Japanese psychiatrist, Shuzo Kure (1865-1932), who published the first detailed and almost complete description of a male patient with PKC in a Japanese medical journal in 1892.