Epileptic seizure or not? Proportion of correct judgement based only on a video recording of a paroxysmal event

"Is it a seizure?" Prediction tool for seizure likelihood in children aged 1-24 months admitted for electroencephalographic monitoring of paroxysmal, rhythmic, and repetitive events

OBJECTIVE

Paroxysmal, rhythmic, and repetitive events (PRREs) during infancy can be concerning for possible seizures, especially following perinatal brain injuries. The workup for establishing whether a PRRE represents a seizure involves the use of continuous video-electroencephalography (cVEEG) for event characterization. This study aims to determine the diagnostic yield of cVEEG for evaluating events concerning for seizures in children aged 1-24 months.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective chart review (January 1, 2019-December 31, 2020) and included all children aged 1-24 months admitted for PRRE capture and characterization using cVEEG. Chart abstraction included demographics, birth and family history, known brain injury, event semiology, duration, and frequency, as well as interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) features. For each of these variables, odds ratios for seizure prediction were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were identified for this study. On cVEEG, n = 160 (65.4%) had a target event of concern captured during an initial admission with cVEEG. Whereas n = 41 (25.8%) patients with events captured were confirmed to have seizures, most patients (n = 119) were confirmed to have nonepileptic events. Several variables predicted seizure likelihood during the initial admission with cVEEG, including event duration (>1 min), frequency (occurring ≥3 times per week), and presence of abnormal interictal findings on cVEEG. For patients who did not receive a diagnosis at the time of initial admission with cVEEG, the likelihood of a subsequent epilepsy diagnosis was associated with specific PRRE semiology (motor active or motor passive), longer event duration (>1 min duration), and the presence of interictal abnormal EEG features on initial cVEEG admission. Prediction tools utilizing scoring systems to stratify risk in infants with suspected seizures due to PRREs are included.

SIGNIFICANCE

Unique patient attributes and PRRE characteristics, as well as the presence of EEG interictal abnormalities, can provide valuable insights for discerning children with a higher likelihood of epilepsy diagnosis following cVEEG admission.

Use of video alone for differentiation of epileptic seizures from non-epileptic spells: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Review of videos (without electroencephalography) to differentiate epileptic seizures (ES) from non-epileptic spells (NES) may be helpful where epilepsy monitoring is not feasible. Previous studies of video-based diagnosis have suffered from variable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed relevant literature in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to September 2022, identifying articles that reported on the video-based diagnosis of ES and NES. In primary analysis, for each study, the most expert group was chosen when different groups of reviewers classified the videos (e.g., epilepsy specialists and general neurologists). In secondary analysis, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of different expertise levels (e.g., epileptologists, general neurologists, residents, medical students). Meta-analysis was performed to obtain pooled estimates of reliability measures.

RESULTS

From 5245 articles identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria, with cumulative data from 683 patients (696 videos) reviewed by 95 independent reviewers in primary analysis. Video alone had a strong ability to differentiate ES from NES as evidenced by the following metrics- area under the curve- 0.9 (considered "outstanding"), sensitivity- 82.2% (95% Confidence Interval [C.I], 80.2%-84.0%), specificity- 84.7% (C.I., 82.8%-86.5%), and diagnostic odds ratio- 24.7 (C.I., 11.5-52.9). The secondary analysis showed reviewer-dependent accuracy with epileptologists showing the highest accuracy (DOR 81.2, C.I., 90.0%-94.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Video alone has reliable diagnostic performance for differentiating ES from NES. Meta-analysis limitations include inter-study heterogeneity including variable video quality and reviewer expertise. Combined video-EEG remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of epilepsy and NES.

Clinical utility of a video/audio-based epilepsy monitoring system Nelli

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a semi-automated hybrid video/audio-based epilepsy monitoring system (Nelli®) in a home setting.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 104 consecutive patients underwent Nelli-registration for an average of 29 days at their home. The seizure-related data obtained from the registration were assessed to investigate the utility of the Nelli-registration regarding clinical decision-making.

RESULTS

Of 104 patients, Nelli® hybrid system was able to recognize clinically relevant events in 83 (80%) patients: epileptic seizures in 67 (65%) and nonepileptic events in 16 (15%). A total of 2767 epileptic seizures of different seizure types were captured and identified. These seizures included not only tonic-clonic seizures but also other complex or simple motor seizures. For the outcomes regarding clinical decision-making, a need for a new therapeutic intervention was recognized in 54 (51.9%) patients based on the number and severity of seizures captured by Nelli-registration. In 12 (11.5%) patients, the need to change the treatment plan was excluded because no evidence of suspected epileptic seizures was found. Nelli-registration aided in confirming the therapeutic efficacy of modifications of antiseizure medications (ASMs) or neuromodulation therapies in 13 (12.5%) patients. Nelli-registration enabled to determine the change in seizure classification and facilitated to reach clear diagnostic conclusions in 11 (10.6%) patients. In 14 (13.5%) patients, there was no change in clinical outcome, as Nelli-registration was unable to infer any clinical decision either due to inconclusive results or lack of typical events. Seizures detected during Nelli-registration aided in decision-making for therapeutic interventions in 71 (68%) patients. Altogether, 44 (42%) patients had adjustment of ASMs, and in 9 (9%) patients, Nelli-registrations led to the change in the settings of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment. Additionally, 18 (17%) patients were referred to presurgical evaluation or established a baseline seizure frequency before surgical implantation for neuromodulation treatment with VNS or DBS, while 33 (32%) patients had no change in therapy. Nine patients (8.7%) were referred to video-EEG monitoring (VEM), as Nelli-recorded events highlighted the need for presurgical evaluation in 6 patients or further diagnostic evaluation in 3 patients.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the clinical utility of the video/audio monitoring system Nelli® in home settings. Home monitoring with Nelli® hybrid system provides a new alternative for the assessment of frequency and type of epileptic seizures as well as for a recognition of nonepileptic events. Thus, Nelli-registration can facilitate the optimization of seizure monitoring and management in clinical practice, complementing existing methods such as VEM and ambulatory EEG recordings.

Role of Video-EEG in Children

Routine electroencephalogram (EEG) has many limitations, especially the inability to capture reported habitual events in question. A prolonged EEG with synchronized video (video-EEG) overcomes some of these limitations by improving the sensitivity, specificity and the diagnostic yield by attempting to record the habitual events when they are frequent and when indicated. Video-EEG is employed commonly for the diagnosis and classification of epilepsy/epilepsy syndromes, to distinguish between seizures and seizures mimickers, for pre-surgical evaluation and in the management of critically ill children. The duration of recording would vary depending on the indication and frequency of events. Ambulatory EEG is another cost effective and convenient alternative in certain circumstances. However, availability of the machines and expertise, accessibility, affordability and labor intensive nature of the procedure limit widespread use in India. This review explores the role of video-EEG in the management of children with epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal events with respect to routine clinical practice in India.

Seizure-like events leading to hospital referrals in infants: A retrospective population-based study

AIM

To identify the aetiology and outcome of seizure-like events leading to hospital referrals in infants and to identify early predictors of epilepsy and delayed neurodevelopment.

METHODS

This Norwegian population-based study focused on all children born in Sør-Trøndelag county, who were up to one year of age in 2014-2015. They were identified by diagnostic codes for seizure-like events and electroencephalography (EEG) examinations. Hospital records were examined up to 1.5 years of age.

RESULTS

The one-year prevalence of seizure-like events was 1.5% (114/7430). Epilepsy was diagnosed in 17%, 57% had non-epileptic paroxysmal events (NEPE), 16% had febrile seizures, and 10% had other acute symptomatic epileptic seizures. Neurodevelopmental delay occurred in 21%. The cumulative incidence was 0.22% for epilepsy and 0.79% for NEPE. Abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging, abnormal first EEGs and neonatal care increased the likelihood of epilepsy and delayed development. Identifying situation-related factors decreased the epilepsy risk. Occurrence at a younger age increased the risk of delayed development. Absence of unambiguous motor symptoms was less common in epilepsy than in NEPE.

CONCLUSION

Seizure-like events were common in infants and most were not caused by epilepsy. Specific anamnestic clues, and detailed descriptions of the entire event, helped to predict adverse outcomes.

Home Videos as a Cost-Effective Tool for the Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Events in Infants: Prospective Study

Background

The diagnosis of paroxysmal events in infants is often challenging. Reasons include the child’s inability to express discomfort and the inability to record video electroencephalography at home. The prevalence of mobile phones, which can record videos, may be beneficial to these patients. In China, this advantage may be even more significant given the vast population and the uneven distribution of medical resources.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the value of mobile phone videos in increasing the diagnostic accuracy and cost savings of paroxysmal events in infants.

Methods

Clinical data, including descriptions and home videos of episodes, from 12 patients with paroxysmal events were collected. The investigation was conducted in six centers during pediatric academic conferences. All 452 practitioners present were asked to make their diagnoses by just the descriptions of the events, and then remake their diagnoses after watching the corresponding home videos of the episodes. The doctor’s information, including educational background, profession, working years, and working hospital level, was also recorded. The cost savings from accurate diagnoses were measured on the basis of using online consultation, which can also be done easily by mobile phone. All data were recorded in the form of questionnaires designed for this study.

Results

We collected 452 questionnaires, 301 of which met the criteria (66.6%) and were analyzed. The mean correct diagnoses with and without videos was 8.4 (SD 1.7) of 12 and 7.5 (SD 1.7) of 12, respectively. For epileptic seizures, mobile phone videos increased the mean accurate diagnoses by 3.9%; for nonepileptic events, it was 11.5% and both were statistically different (P=.006 for epileptic events; P<.001 for nonepileptic events). Pediatric neurologists with longer working years had higher diagnostic accuracy; whereas, their working hospital level and educational background made no difference. For patients with paroxysmal events, at least US $673.90 per capita and US $128 million nationwide could be saved annually, which is 12.02% of the total cost for correct diagnosis.

Conclusions

Home videos made on mobile phones are a cost-effective tool for the diagnosis of paroxysmal events in infants. They can facilitate the diagnosis of paroxysmal events in infants and thereby save costs. The best choice for infants with paroxysmal events on their initial visit is to record their events first and then show the video to a neurologist with longer working years through online consultation.