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Gauer L, Baer S, Valenti-Hirsch MP, De Saint-Martin A, Hirsch E. Drug-resistant generalized epilepsies: Revisiting the frontiers of idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:290-297. [PMID: 38508955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification suggested that the term "genetic generalized epilepsies" (GGEs) should be used for the broad group of epilepsies with so-called "generalized" seizure types and "generalized" spike-wave activity on EEG, based on a presumed genetic etiology. Within this framework, idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) are described as a subset of GGEs and include only four epileptic syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. The recent 2022 ILAE definition of IGEs is based on the current state of knowledge and reflects a community consensus and is designed to evolve as knowledge advances. The term "frontiers of IGEs" refers to the actual limits of our understanding of these four syndromes. Indeed, among patients presenting with a syndrome compatible with the 2022 definition of IGEs, we still observe a significant proportion of patients presenting with specific clinical features, refractory seizures, or drug-resistant epilepsies. This leads to the discussion of the boundaries of IGEs and GGEs, or what is accepted within a clinical spectrum of a definite IGE. Here, we discuss several entities that have been described in the literature for many years and that may either constitute rare features of IGEs or a distinct differential diagnosis. Their recognition by clinicians may allow a more individualized approach and improve the management of patients presenting with such entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gauer
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Neurology department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France.
| | - S Baer
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Pediatric Neurology Department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
| | - M-P Valenti-Hirsch
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Neurology department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
| | - A De Saint-Martin
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Pediatric Neurology Department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
| | - E Hirsch
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Neurology department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
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Baumer FM, Julich K, Friedman J, Nespeca M, Thiele EA, Bhatia S, Joshi C. Sunflower Syndrome: A Survey of Provider Awareness and Management Preferences. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 152:177-183. [PMID: 38295719 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sunflower syndrome is a rare photosensitive pediatric epilepsy characterized by stereotyped hand-waving in response to bright lights. These stereotyped movements with maintained awareness can be mistaken for a movement disorder. This study assessed neurology providers' diagnostic reasoning, evaluation, and treatment of Sunflower syndrome. METHODS A 32-question anonymized electronic survey, including a clinical vignette and video of hand-waving in sunlight, was distributed to child neurology providers to assess (1) initial diagnosis and evaluation based on clinical information, (2) updated diagnosis and management after electroencephalography (EEG), and (3) prior experience with Sunflower syndrome. RESULTS Among 277 viewed surveys, 211 respondents provided information about initial diagnosis and evaluation, 200 about updated diagnosis, 191 about management, and 189 about prior clinical experience. Most providers (135, 64%) suspected seizure, whereas fewer suspected movement disorders (29, 14%) or were unsure of the diagnosis (37, 22%). EEG was recommended by 180 (85%). After EEG, 189 (95%) diagnosed epilepsy, 111 of whom specifically diagnosed Sunflower syndrome. The majority (149, 78%) recommended antiseizure medications (ASMs) and sun avoidance (181, 95%). Only 103 (55%) had managed Sunflower syndrome. Epileptologists and those with prior clinical experience were more likely to suspect a seizure, order an EEG, and offer ASMs than those without prior experience. CONCLUSIONS Although many providers had not managed Sunflower syndrome, the majority recognized this presentation as concerning for epilepsy. Epilepsy training and prior clinical experience are associated with improved recognition and appropriate treatment. Educational initiatives that increase awareness of Sunflower syndrome may improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Baumer
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Kristina Julich
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas
| | - Jennifer Friedman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Mark Nespeca
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Elizabeth A Thiele
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sonal Bhatia
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Charuta Joshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center Dallas, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
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Sourbron J, Proost R, Jansen K, Riva A, Eschermann K, Barnett JR, Lagae L. A novel GABRG2 variant in Sunflower syndrome: A case report and video EEG monitoring. Epileptic Disord 2023; 25:815-822. [PMID: 37632399 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sunflower syndrome is a unique photosensitive epilepsy, characterized by heliotropism and stereotyped seizures associated with handwaving. These handwaving events (HWE) are thought to be an ictal phenomenon, although current data are contrasting. Photosensitive epilepsy occurs in 2%-5% of the epilepsy forms and several pathogenic gene variants have been associated with photosensitive epilepsy. However, the genetic etiology of Sunflower syndrome remains unknown. Antiseizure medications (ASM) efficacious in treating photosensitive epilepsy are valproic acid (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) although some forms, such as Sunflower syndrome, can be drug-resistant. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we report an 8-year-old boy with an early onset of episodes of HWE that was initially categorized as behavioral problems for which risperidone was started. However, the medical history was suggestive of Sunflower syndrome, and subsequent video EEG showed focal mostly temporal and frontotemporal (right and left) epileptiform activity and confirmed the epileptic nature of the HWE. Thus, VPA was started and initially led to seizure frequency reduction. Molecular analyses showed a pathogenic variant in GABRG2 (c.1287G>A p.(Trp429Ter)), which has been associated with photosensitive and generalized epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, clinicians worldwide should be cautious by interpreting HWE and/or other tic-like movements, since an epileptic origin cannot be ruled out. A prompt and correct diagnosis can be made by performing a video EEG early on in the diagnostic process when epileptic seizures are part of the differential diagnosis. Even though the genetic etiology of Sunflower syndrome remains poorly understood, this constellation supports further genetic testing since the detection of a pathogenic variant can help in making correct decisions regarding ASM management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Section Pediatric Neurology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Renee Proost
- Section Pediatric Neurology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Jansen
- Section Pediatric Neurology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Kirsten Eschermann
- Research Institute for Rehabilitation, Transition and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurological Rehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - James Richard Barnett
- Pediatric Epilepsy, Program Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Section Pediatric Neurology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Dini G, Tulli E, Dell’Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Improving Therapy of Pharmacoresistant Epilepsies: The Role of Fenfluramine. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:832929. [PMID: 35668937 PMCID: PMC9164301 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.832929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is among the most common neurological chronic disorders, with a prevalence of 0.5-1%. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs during recent years, about one third of the epileptic population remain drug-resistant. Hence, especially in the pediatric population limited by different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and by ethical and regulatory issues it is needed to identify new therapeutic resources. New molecules initially used with other therapeutic indications, such as fenfluramine, are being considered for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark of both these conditions and their treatment remains a major challenge. Fenfluramine is an amphetamine derivative that was previously approved as a weight loss drug and later withdrawn when major cardiac adverse events were reported. However, a new role of fenfluramine has emerged in recent years. Indeed, fenfluramine has proved to be a promising antiepileptic drug with a favorable risk-benefit profile for the treatment of DS, LGS and possibly other drug-resistant epileptic syndromes. The mechanism by which fenfluramine provide an antiepileptic action is not fully understood but it seems to go beyond its pro-serotoninergic activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature, including ongoing trials, regarding the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine as adjunctive treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Genoa, Italy,*Correspondence: Gianluca Dini,
| | - Eleonora Tulli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genoa, Italy,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Fisher RS, Acharya JN, Baumer FM, French JA, Parisi P, Solodar JH, Szaflarski JP, Thio LL, Tolchin B, Wilkins AJ, Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité D. Visually sensitive seizures: An updated review by the Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsia 2022; 63:739-768. [PMID: 35132632 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Light flashes, patterns, or color changes can provoke seizures in up to 1 in 4000 persons. Prevalence may be higher because of selection bias. The Epilepsy Foundation reviewed light-induced seizures in 2005. Since then, images on social media, virtual reality, three-dimensional (3D) movies, and the Internet have proliferated. Hundreds of studies have explored the mechanisms and presentations of photosensitive seizures, justifying an updated review. This literature summary derives from a nonsystematic literature review via PubMed using the terms "photosensitive" and "epilepsy." The photoparoxysmal response (PPR) is an electroencephalography (EEG) phenomenon, and photosensitive seizures (PS) are seizures provoked by visual stimulation. Photosensitivity is more common in the young and in specific forms of generalized epilepsy. PS can coexist with spontaneous seizures. PS are hereditable and linked to recently identified genes. Brain imaging usually is normal, but special studies imaging white matter tracts demonstrate abnormal connectivity. Occipital cortex and connected regions are hyperexcitable in subjects with light-provoked seizures. Mechanisms remain unclear. Video games, social media clips, occasional movies, and natural stimuli can provoke PS. Virtual reality and 3D images so far appear benign unless they contain specific provocative content, for example, flashes. Images with flashes brighter than 20 candelas/m2 at 3-60 (particularly 15-20) Hz occupying at least 10 to 25% of the visual field are a risk, as are red color flashes or oscillating stripes. Equipment to assay for these characteristics is probably underutilized. Prevention of seizures includes avoiding provocative stimuli, covering one eye, wearing dark glasses, sitting at least two meters from screens, reducing contrast, and taking certain antiseizure drugs. Measurement of PPR suppression in a photosensitivity model can screen putative antiseizure drugs. Some countries regulate media to reduce risk. Visually-induced seizures remain significant public health hazards so they warrant ongoing scientific and regulatory efforts and public education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Fisher
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jayant N Acharya
- Department of Neurology, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fiona Mitchell Baumer
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline A French
- NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Epilepsy Foundation, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica H Solodar
- American Medical Writers Association-New England Chapter, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, Neurobiology and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Liu Lin Thio
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Benjamin Tolchin
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Burlo F, Barbi E, Carrozzi M, Zanus C. Case report: A relevant misdiagnosis: Photosensitive epilepsy mimicking a blinking tic. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:918420. [PMID: 36467468 PMCID: PMC9709211 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.918420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blinking in children is most frequently a functional and transient symptom. Nonetheless, sometimes it is the first clinical manifestation of a neurological disorder. The differential diagnosis between voluntary actions, tics and other neurological disorders among which seizures may be challenging and misdiagnosis is common. A 6-year-old girl in good health was admitted for a recent history of bilateral eye blinking. Blinking did not interfere with the girl's activities. The patients reported that blinking seemed to be triggered by sunlight exposure and that girl sometimes seemed to be attracted by the sunlight. Ophthalmological diseases had been already excluded. The girl was addressed to our hospital for neurological consultation, as tic disease was considered the most probable hypothesis. Neurological examination was negative. In the field of differential diagnosis of photosensitive abnormal eyelid movements, the hypothesis of seizures was explored and further investigated with a video-EEG recording with light stimulation. This exam demonstrated a photoparoxysmal response (PPR) to intermittent photic stimulation with appearance on EEG of bilateral spike and polyspike waves associated with eyelid jerks. This girl suffers from generalized epilepsy with photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is a common feature of many epilepsy syndromes, mainly occurring in children and adolescents. To control the seizures, it is essential to avoid the triggering stimulus, by wearing specific glasses. Additional antiseizures treatment is often necessary, at first with valproate and levetiracetam, and ethosuximide, lamotrigine, and benzodiazepines as the second choice. Overlapping phenomenology of seizures and movement disorders is well known in paediatric clinical practice. Moreover, epilepsy and movement disorder may coexist, mainly in children. Seizures with semeiology limited to eye motor manifestations may mimic functional blinking, tics, and other motor events frequently observed in childhood. Differentiating seizures from other non-epileptic paroxysmal movements may be challenging and specialist evaluation is needed for proper treatment and prognostic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Burlo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Carrozzi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Caterina Zanus
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
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