Autonomic manifestations of epilepsy: emerging pathways to sudden death?

Update review on SUDEP: Risk assessment, background & seizure detection devices

This review focusses on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) and incorporates risk stratification (through SUDEP risk factors and SUDEP risk scores), hypotheses on the mechanism of SUDEP and eligible seizure detection devices (SDDs) for further SUDEP prevention studies. The main risk factors for SUDEP are the presence and the frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTC). In Swedish population-based case control study, the Odds ratio of the presence of GTC in the absence of bedroom sharing is 67. SUDEP risk scoring systems express a score that represents the cumulative presence of SUDEP risk factors, but not the exact effect of their combination. We describe 4 of the available scoring systems: SUDEP-7 inventory, SUDEP-3 inventory, SUDEP-ClinicAl Risk scorE (SUDEP-CARE score) and Kempenhaeghe SUDEP risk score. Although they all include GTC, their design is often different. Three of 4 scoring systems were validated (SUDEP-7 inventory, SUDEP-3 inventory and SUDEP-CARE score). None of the available scoring systems has been sufficiently validated for the use in a general epilepsy population. Plausible mechanisms of SUDEP are discussed. In the MORTEMUS-study (Mortality in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Study), SUDEP was a postictal cardiorespiratory arrest after a GTC. The parallel respiratory and cardiac dysfunction in SUDEP suggests a central dysfunction of the brainstem centers that are involved in the control of respiration and heart rhythm. In the (consequent) adenosine serotonin hypotheses SUDEP occurs when a postictal adenosine-mediated respiratory depression is not compensated by the effect of serotonin. Other (adjuvant) mechanisms and factors are discussed. Seizure detection devices (SDDs) may help to improve nocturnal supervision. Five SDDs have been validated in phase 3 studies for the detection of TC: Seizure Link®, Epi-Care®, NightWatch, Empatica, Nelli®. They have demonstrated a sensitivity of at least 90 % combined with an acceptable false positive alarm rate. It has not yet been proven that the use will actually lead to SUDEP prevention, but clinical experience supports their effectiveness.

Antiseizure Medications and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: An Updated Review

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is responsible for most epilepsy-related deaths. It is mainly related to unwitnessed nocturnal convulsions, either focal to bilateral or generalised tonic-clonic seizures (TCS). Targeted preventive strategies are currently lacking as underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) modulate SUDEP risk through seizure reduction, but it is yet undetermined whether individual ASMs or other medications could also influence the internal SUDEP cascade. Seizure detection devices (SDD) may offer an alternative strategy by preventing TCS from being unwitnessed. Here, we critically evaluated the current evidence on the influence of ASMs, non-epilepsy concomitant drugs and SDD on SUDEP occurrence. We found no robust evidence for the effect of starting ASMs on SUDEP beyond TCS control, but we found some indications of a protective effect for polytherapy. We found no signs that specific ASMs exert a risk for SUDEP. One study suggested a possible protective effect of levetiracetam requiring further investigation. Only a few small studies addressed the association between non-epilepsy concomitant drugs and SUDEP, with no consistent effect for psychotropic medications and one more extensive study suggesting a lower risk among statin users. We only found indirect evidence indicating a protective effect for enhancing nocturnal supervision without explicitly addressing the impact of SDD on SUDEP occurrence. Further work is needed to explore the potential of ASMs and other interventions to modulate SUDEP risk, and they should accurately account for TCS frequency, polypharmacy and markers of non-adherence.

Sudden death in epilepsy: the overlap between cardiac and neurological factors

People with epilepsy are at risk of premature death, of which sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), sudden cardiac death (SCD) and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) are the primary, partly overlapping, clinical scenarios. We discuss the epidemiologies, risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms for these sudden death events. We reviewed the existing evidence on sudden death in epilepsy. Classification of sudden death depends on the presence of autopsy and expertise of the clinician determining aetiology. The definitions of SUDEP, SCD and SADS lead to substantial openings for overlap. Seizure-induced arrhythmias constitute a minority of SUDEP cases. Comorbid cardiovascular conditions are the primary determinants of increased SCD risk in chronic epilepsy. Genetic mutations overlap between the states, yet whether these are causative, associated or incidentally present is often unclear. Risk stratification for sudden death in people with epilepsy requires a multidisciplinary approach, including a review of clinical history, toxicological analysis and complete autopsy with histologic and, preferably, genetic examination. We recommend pursuing genetic testing of relatives of people with epilepsy who died suddenly, mainly if a post-mortem genetic test contained a Class IV/V (pathogenic/likely pathogenic) gene variant. Further research may allow more precise differentiation of SUDEP, SCD and SADS and the development of algorithms for risk stratification and preventative strategies.

Cardiorespiratory disturbances in focal impaired awareness seizures: Insights from wearable ECG monitoring

PURPOSE

Seizures are characterized by periictal autonomic changes. Wearable devices could help improve our understanding of these phenomena through long-term monitoring. In this study, we used wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) data to evaluate differences between temporal and extratemporal focal impaired awareness (FIA) seizures monitored in the hospital and at home. We assessed periictal heart rate, respiratory rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA).

METHODS

We extracted ECG signals across three time points - five minutes baseline and preictal, ten minutes postictal - and the seizure duration. After automatic Rpeak selection, we calculated the heart rate and estimated the respiratory rate using the ECG-derived respiration methodology. HRV was calculated in both time and frequency domains. To evaluate the influence of other modulators on the HRV after removing the respiratory influences, we recalculated the residual power in the high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) bands using orthogonal subspace projections. Finally, 5-minute and 30-second (ultra-short) ECG segments were used to calculate RSA using three different methods. Seizures from temporal and extratemporal origins were compared using mixed-effects models and estimated marginal means.

RESULTS

The mean preictal heart rate was 69.95 bpm (95 % CI 65.6 - 74.3), and it increased to 82 bpm, 95 % CI (77.51 - 86.47) and 84.11 bpm, 95 % CI (76.9 - 89.5) during the ictal and postictal periods. Preictal, ictal and postictal respiratory rates were 16.1 (95 % CI 15.2 - 17.1), 14.8 (95 % CI 13.4 - 16.2) and 15.1 (95 % CI 14 - 16.2), showing not statistically significant bradypnea. HRV analysis found a higher baseline power in the LF band, which was still significantly higher after removing the respiratory influences. Postictally, we found decreased power in the HF band and the respiratory influences in both frequency bands. The RSA analysis with the new methods confirmed the lower cardiorespiratory interaction during the postictal period. Additionally, using ultra-short ECG segments, we found that RSA decreases before the electroclinical seizure onset. No differences were observed in the studied parameters between temporal and extratemporal seizures.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant increases in the ictal and postictal heart rates and lower respiratory rates. Isolating the respiratory influences on the HRV showed a postictal reduction of respiratory modulations on both LF and HF bands, suggesting a central role of respiratory influences in the periictal HRV, unlike the baseline measurements. We found a reduced cardiorespiratory interaction during the periictal period using other RSA methods, suggesting a blockade in vagal efferences before the electroclinical onset. These findings highlight the importance of respiratory influences in cardiac dynamics during seizures and emphasize the need to longitudinally assess HRV and RSA to gain insights into long-term autonomic dysregulation.

[Insular lobe epilepsy. Part 1: semiology]

The insula is often referred to as "the fifth lobe" of the brain, and its accessibility used to be very limited due to the deep location under the opercula as well as the sylvian vasculature. It was not until the availability of modern stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) technique that the intracranial electrodes could be safely and chronically implanted within the insula, thereby enabling anatomo-electro-clinical correlations in seizures of this deep origin. Since the first report of SEEG-recorded insular seizures in late 1990s, the knowledge of insular lobe epilepsy (ILE) has rapidly expanded. Being on the frontline for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, neurologists should have a precise understanding of ILE to differentiate it from epilepsies of other lobes or non-epileptic conditions. Owing to the multimodal nature and rich anatomo-functional connections of the insula, ILE has a wide range of clinical presentations. The following symptoms should heighten the suspicion of ILE: somatosensory symptoms involving a large/bilateral cutaneous territory or taking on thermal/painful character, and cervico-laryngeal discomfort. The latter ranges from slight dyspnea to a strong sensation of strangulation (laryngeal constriction). Other symptoms include epigastric discomfort/nausea, hypersalivation, auditory, vestibular, gustatory, and aphasic symptoms. However, most of these insulo-opercular symptoms can easily be masked by those of extra-insular seizure propagation. Indeed, sleep-related hyperkinetic (hypermotor) epilepsy (SHE) is a common clinical presentation of ILE, which shows predominant hyperkinetic and/or tonic-dystonic features that are often indistinguishable from those of fronto-mesial seizures. Subtle objective signs, such as constrictive throat noise (i.e., laryngeal constriction) or aversive behavior (e.g., facial grimacing suggesting pain), are often the sole clue in diagnosing insular SHE. Insular-origin seizures should also be considered in temporal-like seizures without frank anatomo-electro-clinical correlations. All in all, ILE is not the epilepsy of an isolated island but rather of a crucial hub involved in the multifaceted roles of the brain.

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Respiratory vs. Cardiac Contributions

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) poses a significant risk to life expectancy for individuals with epilepsy. Mechanistic insight, while incomplete, has advanced through clinical observational studies and animal models. Yet we lack preventative therapies, which will depend on understanding SUDEP mechanisms. Recurrent convulsive seizures are the major SUDEP risk factor. Cardiorespiratory dysfunction precedes SUDEP, but whether cardiac arrhythmias are major proximate culprits for SUDEP remains to be determined. Here, we highlight recent data from mouse models and clinical studies that provide increasing support for respiratory depression and decreasing evidence for tachyarrhythmia-induced SUDEP. Further, we review data from genetic and chemoconvulsant mouse models that have enabled a deeper understanding for how seizures initiated in the central nervous system propagate to the autonomic nervous system and drive seizure-induced respiratory depression and subsequent SUDEP, rather than supporting a proximate cardiac arrhythmia cause. Ongoing research will continue to identify predictive SUDEP biomarkers, improve animal models, and translate basic research into precision medicine approaches. Identifying and understanding the brainstem circuits vulnerable in seizure-induced apnea will enable therapeutic interventions, to enhance the quality of life and life expectancy for individuals with epilepsy.

Cardiovascular risk factor assessment in late-onset seizures: A study protocol to assess the value of structured intervention

OBJECTIVE

A growing body of evidence suggests patients with late-onset seizures are at an increased risk of stroke, but the potential for reducing cardiovascular morbidity through risk factor screening and management is unknown. We aim to determine whether individuals with new-onset unprovoked seizures after middle age should undergo vascular risk assessment. The long follow-up needed to assess stroke risk and the known benefit of vascular risk factor modification make a standard RCT logistically and ethically challenging. Instead, we propose and have developed a protocol for a cluster project assessing the effect of vascular risk factor screening in an intervention trial as well as a cohort study.

METHODS

Participating neurology clinics will implement standard cardiovascular risk factor assessment into the routine evaluation for individuals aged ≥50 years attending their first specialized consultation after an unprovoked seizure, excluding those with progressive brain disease. The project has two interlinked components: a prospective single group trial, in which risk factor assessment is performed and subsequent management is followed for one year; and a register-based cohort study examining the long-term effects of the intervention on a system level by comparing patients attending initial consultations in the 2 years after start of the study, with patients seen in the four preceding years at the same clinics.

ANALYSIS

The primary outcome of the intervention trial is the proportion of patients receiving subsequent pharmacological treatment. The primary outcome of the cohort study is the incidence of acute stroke in the Swedish Stroke Register.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Swedish Ethical Review Authority approval (which is valid for 2 years only) will be sought when funding is obtained. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific publications.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

The study will be registered at clinicaltrials.gov.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

A first seizure in a middle-aged or older person indicates a higher risk of stroke. It is not known whether investigating and treating blood pressure, blood cholesterol, or similar risk factors after a first seizure is an effective way to prevent stroke. A traditional clinical study would need too many patients and it would be unethical not to treat the control group. We have designed a study in which participating neurology departments change their practice to test and treat vascular risk factors. Patients are then compared to historic controls using registered data.

Incidence and Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias in the Peri-Ictal Period in Patients Having a Generalized Convulsive Seizure

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Generalized convulsive seizures (GCSs) are the main risk factor of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), which is likely due to peri-ictal cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The incidence of GCS-induced cardiac arrhythmias, their relationship to seizure severity markers, and their role in SUDEP physiopathology are unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of seizure-induced cardiac arrhythmias, their association with electroclinical features and seizure severity biomarkers, as well as their specific occurrences in SUDEP cases.

METHODS

This is an observational, prospective, multicenter study of patients with epilepsy aged 18 years and older with recorded GCS during inpatient video-EEG monitoring for epilepsy evaluation. Exclusion criteria were status epilepticus and an obscured video recording. We analyzed semiologic and cardiorespiratory features through video-EEG (VEEG), electrocardiogram, thoracoabdominal bands, and pulse oximetry. We investigated the presence of bradycardia, asystole, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs), premature atrial beats, premature ventricular beats, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), atrial fibrillation (Afib), ventricular fibrillation (VF), atrioventricular block (AVB), exaggerated sinus arrhythmia (ESA), and exaggerated sinus arrhythmia with bradycardia (ESAWB). A board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist diagnosed and classified the arrhythmia types. Bradycardia, asystole, SVT, NSVT, Afib, VF, AVB, and ESAWB were classified as arrhythmias of interest because these were of SUDEP pathophysiology value. The main outcome was the occurrence of seizure-induced arrhythmias of interest during inpatient VEEG monitoring. Moreover, yearly follow-up was conducted to identify SUDEP cases. Binary logistic generalized estimating equations were used to determine clinical-demographic and peri-ictal variables that were predictive of the presence of seizure-induced arrhythmias of interest. The z-score test for 2 population proportions was used to test whether the proportion of seizures and patients with postconvulsive ESAWB or bradycardia differed between SUDEP cases and survivors.

RESULTS

This study includes data from 249 patients (mean age 37.2 ± 23.5 years, 55% female) who had 455 seizures. The most common arrhythmia was ESA, with an incidence of 137 of 382 seizures (35.9%) (106/224 patients [47.3%]). There were 50 of 352 seizure-induced arrhythmias of interest (14.2%) in 41 of 204 patients (20.1%). ESAWB was the commonest in 22 of 394 seizures (5.6%) (18/225 patients [8%]), followed by SVT in 18 of 397 seizures (4.5%) (17/228 patients [7.5%]). During follow-up (48.36 ± 31.34 months), 8 SUDEPs occurred. Seizure-induced bradycardia (3.8% vs 12.5%, z = -16.66, p < 0.01) and ESAWB (6.6% vs 25%; z = -3.03, p < 0.01) were over-represented in patients who later died of SUDEP. There was no association between arrhythmias of interest and seizure severity biomarkers (p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Markers of seizure severity are not related to seizure-induced arrhythmias of interest, suggesting that other factors such as occult cardiac abnormalities may be relevant for their occurrence. Seizure-induced ESAWB and bradycardia were more frequent in SUDEP cases, although this observation was based on a very limited number of SUDEP patients. Further case-control studies are needed to evaluate the yield of arrhythmias of interest along with respiratory changes as potential SUDEP biomarkers.

Children and Young Adults with Epilepsy Exhibit an Interictal Autonomic Dysfunction: A Prospective Exploratory Study

Dysautonomic disorders are an increasingly studied group of conditions, either as isolated diseases or associated with other neurological disorders. There is growing interest in understanding how dysautonomia affects people with epilepsy, who may report autonomic symptoms before, during and after seizures. Furthermore, autonomic abnormalities appear to play a role in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, likely contributing to the increased mortality rate described in epilepsy. To better understand the association between epilepsy and dysautonomia, we explored electrochemical skin conductance in a group of 18 children and young adults with epilepsy compared to 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls by the SudoscanTM test. We found a significant difference in terms of electrochemical skin conductance, suggesting that people with epilepsy suffer significantly reduced conductance in small nerve fibers. Within patients, values were significantly different according to the type of epilepsy and to neuroimaging results, with lower conductance values in epilepsies of unknown origin and in patients with morphological abnormalities of the brain. Using a non-invasive test, we identified altered conductance of small sympathetic nerve fibers in children and young adults with epilepsy, suggesting underlying dysautonomia. Further studies are needed to investigate this association and to clarify its neurobiological substrates.

Exercise-induced central and peripheral sympathetic activity in a community-based group of epilepsy patients differ from healthy controls

Ictal and interictal activity within the autonomic nervous system is characterized by a sympathetic overshoot in people with epilepsy. This autonomic dysfunction is assumed to be driven by alterations in the central autonomic network. In this study, exercise-induced changes of the interrelation of central and peripheral autonomic activity in patients with epilepsy was assessed. 21 patients with epilepsy (16 seizure-free), and 21 healthy matched controls performed an exhaustive bicycle ergometer test. Immediately before and after the exercise test, resting state electroencephalography measurements (Brain Products GmbH, 128-channel actiCHamp) of 5 min were carried out to investigate functional connectivity assessed by phase locking value in source space for whole brain, central autonomic network and visual network. Additionally, 1-lead ECG (Brain products GmbH) was performed to analyze parasympathetic (root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) of the heart rate variability) and sympathetic activity (electrodermal activity (meanEDA)). MeanEDA increased (p < 0.001) and RMSSD decreased (p < 0.001) from pre to post-exercise in both groups. Correlation coefficients of meanEDA and central autonomic network functional connectivity differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.004) after exercise. Both patients with epilepsy and normal control subjects revealed the expected physiological peripheral autonomic responses to acute exhaustive exercise, but alterations of the correlation between central autonomic and peripheral sympathetic activity may indicate a different sympathetic reactivity after exercise in patients with epilepsy. The clinical relevance of this finding and its modulators (seizures, anti-seizure medication, etc.) still needs to be elucidated.

[Incidence of sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP): update and limitations]

BACKGROUND

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is in most cases probably due to a fatal complication of tonic-clonic seizures and plays a significant role in the premature mortality of individuals with epilepsy. The reported risks of SUDEP vary considerably depending on the study population, so that an up-dated systematic review of SUDEP incidence including most recent studies is required to improve the estimated SUDEP risk and the counseling of individuals with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the current research landscape concerning SUDEP incidence across different patient populations and discuss potential conclusions and existing limitations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature review on SUDEP incidence was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE, supplemented by a manual search in June 2023. Out of a total of 3324 publications, 50 were reviewed for this study.

RESULTS

The analyzed studies showed significant heterogeneity concerning cohorts, study design and data sources. Studies conducted without specific criteria and relying on comprehensive registers indicated an incidence of 0.78-1.2 per 1000 patient-years. Research providing incidences across various age groups predominantly show an increase with age, peaking in middle age.

DISCUSSION

Due to varying methods of data collection and incidence calculation, comparing between studies is challenging. The association with age might be due to an underrepresentation of children, adolescents and patients over 60 years.

CONCLUSION

Considering all age groups and types of epilepsy it is estimated that about 1 in 1000 individuals with epilepsy dies of SUDEP annually. With an assumed epilepsy prevalence of 0.6% in Germany, this could lead to more than one SUDEP case daily. Standardization of research methods is essential to gain more profound insights.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and ictal asystole in patients with autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

As autoimmune encephalitis (AE) often involves the mesial temporal structures which are known to be involved in both sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and ictal asystole (IA), it may represent a good model to study the physiopathology of these phenomena. Herein, we systematically reviewed the occurrence of SUDEP and IA in AE.

METHODS

We searched 4 databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) for studies published between database inception and December 20, 2022, according to the PRISMA guidelines. We selected articles reporting cases of definite/probable/possible/near-SUDEP or IA in patients with possible/definite AE, or with histopathological signs of AE.

RESULTS

Of 230 records assessed, we included 11 cases: 7 SUDEP/near-SUDEP and 4 IA. All patients with IA were female. The median age at AE onset was 30 years (range: 15-65), and the median delay between AE onset and SUDEP was 11 months; 0.9 months for IA. All the patients presented new-onset seizures, and 10/11 also manifested psychiatric, cognitive, or amnesic disorders. In patients with SUDEP, 2/7 were antibody-positive (1 anti-LGI1, 1 anti-GABABR); all IA cases were antibody-positive (3 anti-NMDAR, 1 anti-GAD65). Six patients received steroid bolus, 3 intravenous immunoglobulin, and 3 plasmapheresis. A pacemaker was implanted in 3 patients with IA. The 6 survivors improved after treatment.

DISCUSSION

SUDEP and IA can be linked to AE, suggesting a role of the limbic system in their pathogenesis. IA tends to manifest in female patients with temporal lobe seizures early in AE, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Transient postictal dysphagia in older adults with focal structural epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Seizures can cause transient neurological symptoms, such as hemiparesis and aphasia. However, temporary swallowing changes leading to postictal dysphagia have not been previously described. Therefore, this study evaluated the presence of swallowing disorders following seizure. In addition, dysphagia severity and duration of any recovery from dysphagic symptoms were investigated.

METHODS

The local clinical database of all fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) examinations performed from 2008 to 2019 was screened for patients diagnosed with seizures, but excluding patients with intensive care unit admission or intubation >24 h. Patient charts were evaluated to identify preexisting dysphagia or potential concurrent medical causes for dysphagia, including hyponatremia, increased intracranial pressure, sepsis, or other encephalopathies associated with infections, or other possible causes at the time of admission. Patients receiving >.5 defined daily doses of benzodiazepines or neuroleptics were also excluded. Age, sex, seizure semiology and etiology, comorbidities, concurrent pneumonia, and dysphagia course during hospitalization were evaluated as predictors of the occurrence of dysphagia or its potential duration.

RESULTS

We identified 41 patients with dysphagia following a seizure, without evidence of any concurrent cause of swallowing dysfunction. These patients all presented with focal structural epilepsy, they had a mean age of 79 ± 11.3 years (range = 44-95 years), and 21 were women. The mean Elixhauser Comorbidity Score was 4.8. Hospital-acquired pneumonia was detected in 21 patients (51.2%). FEES diagnosed mild and severe dysphagia in 21 (51.2%) and 20 (48.8%) patients, respectively. Dysphagia improved significantly (p = .001) during hospitalization, persisting for an average of 3.9 days (median = 3 days, SD = 2.07 days, range = 1-8 days).

SIGNIFICANCE

Dysphagia is a potential transient neurological deficit following seizure. Our findings suggest that older patients, with focal structural epilepsy, are at risk for postictal dysphagia. Further studies are needed to ascertain the prevalence, complications, and predictors of postictal dysphagia. Dysphagia screening may improve early detection in patients with relevant risk factors, as well as reduce the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia.

Characteristics of deceased subjects transported to a postmortem imaging center due to unusual death related to epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Patients with epilepsy have high risk of experiencing uncommon causes of death. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent unusual deaths related to epilepsy and identify factors that may contribute to these deaths and may also include sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

METHODS

We analyzed 5291 cases in which a postmortem imaging (PMI) study was performed using plane CT, because of an unexplained death. A rapid troponin T assay was performed using peripheral blood samples. Clinical information including the cause of death suspected by the attending physician, body position, place of death, medical history, and antiseizure medications was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 132 (2.6%) patients had an obvious history of epilepsy, while 5159 individuals had no history of epilepsy (97.4%). Cerebrovascular disease was the cause of death in 1.6% of patients in the group with epilepsy, and this was significantly lower than that in the non-epilepsy group. However, drowning was significantly higher (9.1% vs. 4.4%). Unspecified cause of death was significantly more frequent in the epilepsy group (78.0% vs. 57.8%). Furthermore, the proportion of patients who demonstrated elevation of troponin T levels without prior cardiac disease was significantly higher in the epilepsy group (37.9% vs. 31.1%). At discovery of death, prone position was dominant (30.3%), with deaths occurring most commonly in the bedroom (49.2%). No antiseizure medication had been prescribed in 12% of cases, while 29.5% of patients were taking multiple antiseizure medications.

SIGNIFICANCE

The prevalence of epilepsy in individuals experiencing unusual death was higher than in the general population. Despite PMI studies, no definitive cause of death was identified in a significant proportion of cases. The high troponin T levels may be explained by long intervals between death and examination or by higher incidence of myocardial damage at the time of death.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This study investigated unusual deaths in epilepsy patients, analyzing 5291 postmortem imaging cases. The results showed that 132 cases (2.6%) had a clear history of epilepsy. In these cases, only 22% cases were explained after postmortem examination, which is less than in non-epilepsy group (42.2%). Cerebrovascular disease was less common in the epilepsy group, while drowning was more common. Elevated troponin T levels, which suggest possibility of myocardial damage or long intervals between death and examination, were also more frequent in the epilepsy group compared to non-epilepsy group.

Patient Safety in Canadian Epilepsy Monitoring Units: A Survey of Current Practices

BACKGROUND

Guidelines on epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) standards have been recently published. We aimed to survey Canadian EMUs to describe the landscape of safety practices and compare these to the recommendations from the new guidelines.

METHODS

A 34-item survey was created by compiling questions on EMU structure, patient monitoring, equipment, personnel, standardized protocol use, and use of injury prevention tools. The questionnaire was distributed online to 24 Canadian hospital centers performing video-EEG monitoring (VEM) in EMUs. Responses were tabulated and descriptively summarized.

RESULTS

In total, 26 EMUs responded (100% response rate), 50% of which were adult EMUs. EMUs were on average active for 23.4 years and had on average 3.6 beds. About 81% of respondents reported having a dedicated area for VEM, and 65% reported having designated EMU beds. Although a video monitoring station was available in 96% of EMUs, only 48% of EMUs provided continuous observation of patients (video and/or physical). A total of 65% of EMUs employed continuous heart monitoring. The technologist-to-patient ratio was 1:1-2 in 52% of EMUs during the day. No technologist supervision was most often reported in the evening and at night. Nurse-to-EMU-patient ratio was mostly 1:1-4 independent of the time of day. Consent forms were required before admission in 27% of EMUs.

CONCLUSION

Canadian EMUs performed decently in terms of there being dedicated space for VEM, continuous heart monitoring, and adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. Other practices were quite variable, and adjustments should be made on a case-by-case basis to adhere to the latest guidelines.

Reduced long-term mortality after successful resective epilepsy surgery: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

We investigated all-cause and epilepsy-related mortality in patients operated with resective epilepsy surgery and in non-operated patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Our hypothesis was that patients who proceed to surgery have lower mortality over time compared with non-operated patients.

METHOD

Data from 1329 adults and children from the Swedish National Epilepsy Surgery Register and 666 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who had undergone presurgical work-up but not been operated were analysed. The operated patients had follow-ups between 2 and 20 years. We used the Swedish Cause of Death Register to identify deaths. Autopsy reports were collected for patients with suspected sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for mortality and SUDEP.

RESULTS

SUDEP accounted for 30% of all deaths. Surgery was associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9), also when adjusted for age, sex and tonic-clonic seizures at inclusion. The benefit of surgery seemed to persist and possibly even increase after 15 years of follow-up. Risk factors of mortality for operated patients were persisting seizures and living alone. Of the operated patients, 37% had seizures, and these had a higher risk of mortality (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.0) and SUDEP (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.3) compared with patients with seizure freedom at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large population-based epilepsy surgery cohort, operated patients had a lower all-cause mortality compared with non-operated patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Seizure freedom was the most important beneficial factor for both all-cause mortality and SUDEP among operated patients.

Feasibility of cardiac-based seizure detection and prediction: A systematic review of non-invasive wearable sensor-based studies

A reliable seizure detection or prediction device can potentially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with epileptic seizures. Previous findings indicating alterations in cardiac activity during seizures suggest the usefulness of cardiac parameters for seizure detection or prediction. This study aims to examine available studies on seizure detection and prediction based on cardiac parameters using non-invasive wearable devices. The Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases were used to systematically search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Human studies that evaluated seizure detection or prediction based on cardiac parameters collected using wearable devices were included. The QUADAS-2 tool and proposed standards for validation for seizure detection devices were used for quality assessment. Twenty-four articles were identified and included in the analysis. Twenty studies evaluated seizure detection algorithms, and four studies focused on seizure prediction. Most studies used either a wrist-worn or chest-worn device for data acquisition. Among the seizure detection studies, cardiac parameters utilized for the algorithms mainly included heart rate (HR) (n = 11) or a combination of HR and heart rate variability (HRV) (n = 6). HR-based seizure detection studies collectively reported a sensitivity range of 56%-100% and a false alarm rate (FAR) of 0.02-8/h, with most studies performing retrospective validation of the algorithms. Three of the seizure prediction studies retrospectively validated multimodal algorithms, combining cardiac features with other physiological signals. Only one study prospectively validated their seizure prediction algorithm using HRV extracted from ECG data collected from a custom wearable device. These studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using cardiac parameters for seizure detection and prediction with wearable devices, with varying algorithmic performance. Many studies are in the proof-of-principle stage, and evidence for real-time detection or prediction is currently limited. Future studies should prioritize further refinement of the algorithm performance with prospective validation using large-scale longitudinal data. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This systematic review highlights the potential use of wearable devices, like wristbands, for detecting and predicting seizures via the measurement of heart activity. By reviewing 24 articles, it was found that most studies focused on using heart rate and changes in heart rate for seizure detection. There was a lack of studies looking at seizure prediction. The results were promising but most studies were not conducted in real-time. Therefore, more real-time studies are needed to verify the usage of heart activity-related wearable devices to detect seizures and even predict them, which will be beneficial to people with epilepsy.

Expert opinion on diagnosis and management of epilepsy-associated comorbidities

Apart from seizure freedom, the presence of comorbidities related to neurological, cardiovascular, or psychiatric disorders is the largest determinant of a reduced health-related quality of life in people with epilepsy (PwE). However, comorbidities are often underrecognized and undertreated, and clinical management of comorbid conditions can be challenging. The focus of a comprehensive treatment regimen should maximize seizure control while optimizing clinical management of treatable comorbidities to improve a person's quality of life and overall health. A panel of four European epileptologists with expertise in their respective fields of epilepsy-related comorbidities combined the latest available scientific evidence with clinical expertise and collaborated to provide consensus practical advice to improve the identification and management of comorbidities in PwE. This review provides a critical evaluation for the diagnosis and management of sleep-wake disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive dysfunction, and depression in PwE. Whenever possible, clinical data have been provided. The PubMed database was the main search source for the literature review. The deleterious pathophysiological processes underlying neurological, cardiovascular, or psychiatric comorbidities in PwE interact with the processes responsible for generating seizures to increase cerebral and physiological dysfunction. This can increase the likelihood of developing drug-resistant epilepsy; therefore, early identification of comorbidities and intervention is imperative. The practical evidence-based advice presented in this article may help clinical neurologists and other specialist physicians responsible for the care and management of PwE.

Volumetric gray matter findings in autonomic network regions of people with focal epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies of people with focal epilepsies revealed gray matter (GM) alterations in brain regions involved in cardiorespiratory regulation, which have been linked to the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). It remains unclear whether the type and localization of epileptogenic lesions influence the occurrence of such alterations.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis that VBM alterations of autonomic network regions are independent of epileptogenic lesions and that they reveal structural underpinnings of SUDEP risk, VBM was performed in 100 people with focal epilepsies without an epileptogenic lesion identifiable on MRI (mean age ± standard deviation = 35 ± 11 years, 56 female). The group was further stratified in high (sample size n = 29) and low risk of SUDEP (n = 71). GM volumes were compared between these two subgroups and to 100 matched controls.

RESULTS

People with epilepsy displayed higher GM volume in both amygdalae and parahippocampal gyri and lower GM volume in the cerebellum and occipital (p<.05, familywise error corrected). There were no significant volumetric differences between high and low SUDEP risk subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm that autonomic networks are structurally altered in people with focal epilepsy and they question VBM as a suitable method to show structural correlates of the SUDEP risk score.

Epilepsy-Heart Syndrome: Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Complications in patients with Epilepsy

The risks of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in people with epilepsy (PWE) are not well understood. To establish the short- and long-term burden of CVEs in PWE. Electronic health records from a global federated health research network (TriNetX) were used to establish a cohort of PWE. Primary outcomes were: (1) the proportion of people experiencing a composite outcome of cardiac arrest, acute heart failure (HF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), severe ventricular arrhythmia or all-cause death within 30 days of a seizure; and (2) the 5-year risk for a composite outcome of ischemic heart diseases, stroke, hospitalization, or all-cause death in the PWE experiencing early CVEs. Cox-regression analyses with propensity score matching was used to produce hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In 271,172 PWE (mean age 50 ± 20 years; 52% females), the 30-day risk of CVEs following seizure was: 8.7% for the composite outcome, 0.9% for cardiac arrest, 0.8% for HF, 1.2% for ACS, 4.1% for AF, 0.7% for severe ventricular arrhythmias, and 1.6% for all-cause death. For the 15,120 PWE experiencing CVEs within 30 days of seizure, the 5-year adjusted risks for all composite outcomes measured were significantly increased (overall HR: 2.44, 95% CI 2.37-2.51), ischemic heart diseases HR 3.23 (95% CI 3.10-3.36), stroke HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.48-1.64), hospitalization HR 2.03 (95% CI 1.97-2.10), and all-cause death HR 2.75 (95% CI 2.61-2.89). The large proportions of PWE with active disease that experience CVEs and the poor long-term outcome associated suggest the existence of an "epilepsy-heart syndrome."

Epilepsy and long-term risk of arrhythmias

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous evidence has mainly supported transient changes in cardiac function during interictal or peri-ictal phases in people with epilepsy, but the long-term risk of cardiac arrhythmias is poorly described. This study aimed to assess the long-term association of epilepsy with cardiac arrhythmias, considering the potential role of genetic predisposition and antiseizure medications (ASMs) in any associations observed.

METHODS

This population-based study evaluated UK Biobank data for individuals recruited between 2006 and 2010. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk models were used to examine the association of epilepsy history with the long-term incidence risk of cardiac arrhythmias and arrhythmias subtypes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were calculated to investigate the effect of genetic susceptibility. The role of ASMs was also evaluated by integrating observational and drug target Mendelian randomization (MR) evidence.

RESULTS

The study included 329 432 individuals, including 2699 people with epilepsy. Compared with those without epilepsy, people with epilepsy experienced an increased risk of all cardiac arrhythmias [hazard ratio (HR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.53], atrial fibrillation (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08-1.46), and other cardiac arrhythmias (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.34-1.81). The associations were not modified by genetic predisposition as indicated by PRS. Competing and sensitivity analyses corroborated these results. Individuals with epilepsy using ASMs, especially carbamazepine and valproic acid, were at a higher risk for cardiac arrhythmias. This observation was further supported by drug target MR results (PSMR < .05 and PHEIDI > .05).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias persists long term in people with epilepsy, especially among those using carbamazepine and valproic acid. These findings highlight the need for regular heart rhythm monitoring and management in people with epilepsy in order to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular complications.

Response to Singh et al. 2023: It is premature for a unified hypothesis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A great amount of research is still needed to understand the multisystem cascade

In response to the comments by Singh and colleagues about our recent paper proposing a unified hypothesis of SUDEP, we definitely agree that more research is needed. This research should include studies in other models, including Dravet mice, emphasized by Singh et al. However, we strongly believe the hypothesis is timely, because it is based on the continuing progress on SUDEP-related research on serotonin (5-HT) and adenosine as well as neuroanatomical findings.We propose testing of 5-HT enhancing drugs, neurotoxicity blocking drugs, such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and periaqueductal gray (PAG) electrical stimulation for SUDEP prevention. There are FDA-approved drugs that enhance the action of 5-HT, including fluoxetine and fenfluramine, which is approved for Dravet syndrome. NMDA antagonists, including memantine and ketamine, are also approved for other disorders. PAG electrical stimulation, which is proposed to activate a suffocation alarm, is also approved to treat other conditions and is known to enhance respiration. Experiments using these methods are currently being carried out in animal studies. If these approaches are validated in SUDEP models, treatments could be evaluated relatively quickly in patients with epilepsy (PWE) who exhibit a biomarker for high SUDEP risk, such as peri-ictal respiratory abnormalities. An example of such a study is the ongoing clinical trial of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in PWE. Although, gene-based therapies may ultimately become treatments of choice to prevent SUDEP, as Singh et al suggested, one or more of the approaches we proposed could become temporizing treatments before gene-based therapies can be available. Establishing genetic treatments would require extensive time for each of the genetic abnormalities associated with SUDEP, and too many PWE are likely to die in the meantime.The temporizing treatments may help to reduce the incidence of SUDEP sooner, which is urgently needed.

Multimodal nocturnal seizure detection in children with epilepsy: A prospective, multicenter, long-term, in-home trial

OBJECTIVE

There is a pressing need for reliable automated seizure detection in epilepsy care. Performance evidence on ambulatory non-electroencephalography-based seizure detection devices is low, and evidence on their effect on caregiver's stress, sleep, and quality of life (QoL) is still lacking. We aimed to determine the performance of NightWatch, a wearable nocturnal seizure detection device, in children with epilepsy in the family home setting and to assess its impact on caregiver burden.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 4, multicenter, prospective, video-controlled, in-home NightWatch implementation study (NCT03909984). We included children aged 4-16 years, with ≥1 weekly nocturnal major motor seizure, living at home. We compared a 2-month baseline period with a 2-month NightWatch intervention. The primary outcome was the detection performance of NightWatch for major motor seizures (focal to bilateral or generalized tonic-clonic [TC] seizures, focal to bilateral or generalized tonic seizures lasting >30 s, hyperkinetic seizures, and a remainder category of focal to bilateral or generalized clonic seizures and "TC-like" seizures). Secondary outcomes included caregivers' stress (Caregiver Strain Index [CSI]), sleep (Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index), and QoL (EuroQol five-dimension five-level scale).

RESULTS

We included 53 children (55% male, mean age = 9.7 ± 3.6 years, 68% learning disability) and analyzed 2310 nights (28 173 h), including 552 major motor seizures. Nineteen participants did not experience any episode of interest during the trial. The median detection sensitivity per participant was 100% (range = 46%-100%), and the median individual false alarm rate was .04 per hour (range = 0-.53). Caregiver's stress decreased significantly (mean total CSI score = 8.0 vs. 7.1, p = .032), whereas caregiver's sleep and QoL did not change significantly during the trial.

SIGNIFICANCE

The NightWatch system demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting nocturnal major motor seizures in children in a family home setting and reduced caregiver stress.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): A bibliometric analysis

OBJECTIVE

The literature on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has been evolving at a staggering rate. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the SUDEP literature with the aim of presenting its structure, performance, and trends.

METHODS

The Scopus database was searched in April 2023 for documents explicitly detailing SUDEP in their title, abstract, or keywords. After the removal of duplicate documents, bibliometric analysis was performed using the R package bibliometrix and the program VOSviewer. Performance metrics were computed to describe the literature's annual productivity, most relevant authors and countries, and most important publications. Science mapping was performed to visualize the relationships between research constituents by constructing a country collaboration network, co-authorship network, keyword co-occurrence network, and document co-citation network.

RESULTS

A total of 2140 documents were analyzed. These documents were published from 1989 onward, with an average number of citations per document of 25.78. Annual productivity had been on the rise since 2006. Out of 6502 authors, five authors were in both the list of the ten most productive and the list of the ten most cited authors: Devinsky O, Sander JW, Tomson T, Ryvlin P, and Lhatoo SD. The USA and the United Kingdom were the most productive and cited countries. Collaborations between American authors and European authors were particularly rich. Prominent themes in the literature included those related to pathophysiology (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, apnea, autonomic dysfunction), epilepsy characteristics (e.g., epilepsy type, refractoriness, antiseizure medications), and epidemiology (e.g., incidence, age, sex). Emerging themes included sleep, genetics, epilepsy refractoriness, and non-human studies.

SIGNIFICANCE

The body of literature on SUDEP is rich, fast-growing, and benefiting from frequent international collaborations. Some research themes such as sleep, genetics, and animal studies have become more prevalent over recent years.

A unified hypothesis of SUDEP: Seizure-induced respiratory depression induced by adenosine may lead to SUDEP but can be prevented by autoresuscitation and other restorative respiratory response mechanisms mediated by the action of serotonin on the periaqueductal gray

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major cause of death in people with epilepsy (PWE). Postictal apnea leading to cardiac arrest is the most common sequence of terminal events in witnessed cases of SUDEP, and postconvulsive central apnea has been proposed as a potential biomarker of SUDEP susceptibility. Research in SUDEP animal models has led to the serotonin and adenosine hypotheses of SUDEP. These neurotransmitters influence respiration, seizures, and lethality in animal models of SUDEP, and are implicated in human SUDEP cases. Adenosine released during seizures is proposed to be an important seizure termination mechanism. However, adenosine also depresses respiration, and this effect is mediated, in part, by inhibition of neuronal activity in subcortical structures that modulate respiration, including the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Drugs that enhance the action of adenosine increase postictal death in SUDEP models. Serotonin is also released during seizures, but enhances respiration in response to an elevated carbon dioxide level, which often occurs postictally. This effect of serotonin can potentially compensate, in part, for the adenosine-mediated respiratory depression, acting to facilitate autoresuscitation and other restorative respiratory response mechanisms. A number of drugs that enhance the action of serotonin prevent postictal death in several SUDEP models and reduce postictal respiratory depression in PWE. This effect of serotonergic drugs may be mediated, in part, by actions on brainstem sites that modulate respiration, including the PAG. Enhanced activity in the PAG increases respiration in response to hypoxia and other exigent conditions and can be activated by electrical stimulation. Thus, we propose the unifying hypothesis that seizure-induced adenosine release leads to respiratory depression. This can be reversed by serotonergic action on autoresuscitation and other restorative respiratory responses acting, in part, via the PAG. Therefore, we hypothesize that serotonergic or direct activation of this brainstem site may be a useful approach for SUDEP prevention.

Pro-Ictal State in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

BACKGROUND: Studies of continuous electroencephalography (EEG) suggest that seizures in individuals with focal-onset epilepsies preferentially occur during periods of heightened risk, typified by pathologic brain activities, termed pro-ictal states; however, the presence of (pathologic) pro-ictal states among a plethora of otherwise physiologic (e.g., sleep–wake cycle) states has not been established. METHODS: We studied a prospective, consecutive series of 15 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent limbic thalamic recordings in addition to routine (cortical) intracranial EEG for seizure localization. For each participant, pro-ictal (45 minutes before seizure onset) and interictal (4 hours removed from all seizures) EEG segments were divided into 10-minute, nonoverlapping windows, which were randomly distributed into training and validation cohorts in a 1:1 ratio. A deep neural classifier was applied to distinguish pro-ictal from interictal brain activities in a patient-specific fashion. RESULTS: We analyzed 1800 patient-hours of continuous thalamocortical EEG. Distinct pro-ictal states were detected in each participant. The median area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the classifier was 0.92 (interquartile range, 0.90–0.96). Pro-ictal states were distinguished at least 45 minutes before seizure onset in 13 of 15 participants; in 2 of 15 participants, they were distinguished up to 35 minutes prior. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of thalamocortical EEG, pro-ictal states — pathologic brain activities during periods of heightened seizure risk — could be identified in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and were detected, in our small sample, more than one half hour before seizure onset.

Gene mutations in comorbidity of epilepsy and arrhythmia

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most severe outcome of refractory epilepsy. Arrhythmia is one of the heterogeneous factors in the pathophysiological mechanism of SUDEP with a high incidence in patients with refractory epilepsy, increasing the risk of premature death. The gene co-expressed in the brain and heart is supposed to be the genetic basis between epilepsy and arrhythmia, among which the gene encoding ion channel contributes to the prevalence of "cardiocerebral channelopathy" theory. Nevertheless, this theory could only explain the molecular mechanism of comorbid arrhythmia in part of patients with epilepsy (PWE). Therefore, we summarized the mutant genes that can induce comorbidity of epilepsy and arrhythmia and the possible corresponding treatments. These variants involved the genes encoding sodium, potassium, calcium and HCN channels, as well as some non-ion channel coding genes such as CHD4, PKP2, FHF1, GNB5, and mitochondrial genes. The relationship between genotype and clinical phenotype was not simple linear. Indeed, genes co-expressed in the brain and heart could independently induce epilepsy and/or arrhythmia. Mutant genes in brain could affect cardiac rhythm through central or peripheral regulation, while in the heart it could also affect cerebral electrical activity by changing the hemodynamics or internal environment. Analysis of mutations in comorbidity of epilepsy and arrhythmia could refine and expand the theory of "cardiocerebral channelopathy" and provide new insights for risk stratification of premature death and corresponding precision therapy in PWE.

Dysautonomia in people with epilepsy: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases and has high morbidity and mortality. Multiple methods for assessing dysautonomia have been reported; however, the patient characteristics and epilepsy features that drive any method selection are unclear. People with epilepsy (PWE) can experience sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and one reason can be dysautonomia. If dysautonomia can be detected in PWE before a severe event, then it could complement and redirect patient treatment and monitoring.

OBJECTIVE

To map the available literature on dysautonomia in PWE and describe patients' characteristics and methods used to evaluate dysautonomia.

METHODS

We performed a scoping literature review. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and hand searched starting from the first registry in the literature until August 2019. Studies were independently assessed by three authors and two epileptologists. We present data in tables and summarize information according to the following structure: population, concepts, and context.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included in the analysis with epidemiological designs including case reports (23), cross-sectional studies (4), case‒controls (7), and cohort studies (1). A total of 618 patients were enrolled. Heart rate variability, arrhythmia, blood pressure, the tilt-table test, polysomnography, respiratory function, and magnetic resonance imaging were the methods most commonly used to assess dysautonomia in PWE. A detailed description of the heart rate variability assessment is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides a broad description of the available literature identifying clinical findings, the most frequently reported assessment measurements of dysautonomia, in temporal lobe epilepsy and extratemporal epilepsies.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of epilepsy: A updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of epilepsy.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the database in both Chinese and English was performed. Data from the selected studies were extracted and analyzed independently by two authors.

RESULTS

30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 2471 patients. Among them, 4 trials (n = 235) focused on TCM monotherapy, while the other 26 trials (n = 2236) assessed the benefit of TCM as an add-on therapy to antiseizure medications (ASMs). For the efficacy, the meta-analysis found (1) The effective rate in TCM monotherapy group was higher than that in control group (OR = 4.92, 95 % CI: 2.29-10.57, Z = 4.08, P 0.0001); (2) The add-on of TCM also increased the effective rate (OR = 3.37, 95 % CI: 2.65-4.30, Z = 9.85, P 0.00001) and seizure freedom rate (OR = 1.93, 95 % CI: 1.53-2.44, Z = 5.58, P 0.00001). In terms of safety, the add-on of TCM reduced the rate of total adverse events (OR = 0.46, 95 % CI: 0.31-0.67, Z = 3.96, P 0.0001) as well as adverse events of the gastrointestinal and nervous system. 26 different TCM prescriptions were used in these included RCTs. Among them, the 5 most frequently used herbs were Acorus tatarinowii (19 out of 26), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (13 out of 26), Gastrodia elata (12 out of 26), Pinellia ternata (11 out of 26) and Poria cocos (11 out of 26).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that TCM may be a relatively efficacious and safe clinical strategy for the treatment of epilepsy. Several limitations still exist, such as the risk of bias in the included studies, the diversified composition of TCM prescriptions, and the relatively low quality of study design.

Perspectives on the basis of seizure-induced respiratory dysfunction

Epilepsy is an umbrella term used to define a wide variety of seizure disorders and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in epilepsy. Although some SUDEP risk factors have been identified, it remains largely unpredictable, and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Most seizures start in the cortex, but the high mortality rate associated with certain types of epilepsy indicates brainstem involvement. Therefore, to help understand SUDEP we discuss mechanisms by which seizure activity propagates to the brainstem. Specifically, we highlight clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggesting how seizure activation of: (i) descending inhibitory drive or (ii) spreading depolarization might contribute to brainstem dysfunction. Furthermore, since epilepsy is a highly heterogenous disorder, we also considered factors expected to favor or oppose mechanisms of seizure propagation. We also consider whether epilepsy-associated genetic variants directly impact brainstem function. Because respiratory failure is a leading cause of SUDEP, our discussion of brainstem dysfunction focuses on respiratory control.

Drug-resistant epilepsy and mortality-Why and when do neuromodulation and epilepsy surgery reduce overall mortality

Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy have an increased mortality rate, with the majority of deaths being epilepsy related and 40% due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The impact of epilepsy surgery on mortality has been investigated since the 1970s, with increased interest in this field during the past 15 years. We systematically reviewed studies investigating mortality rate in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery or neuromodulation therapies. The quality of available evidence proved heterogenous and often limited by significant methodological issues. Perioperative mortality following epilepsy surgery was found to be <1%. Meta-analysis of studies that directly compared patients who underwent surgery to those not operated following presurgical evaluation showed that the former have a two-fold lower risk of death and a three-fold lower risk of SUDEP compared to the latter (odds ratio [OR] 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.56; p < .0001 for overall mortality and OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.18-0.57; p < .001 for SUDEP). Limited data are available regarding the risk of death and SUDEP in patients undergoing neuromodulation therapies, although some evidence indicates that vagus nerve stimulation might be associated with a lower risk of SUDEP. Several key questions remain to be addressed in future studies, considering the need to better inform patients about the long-term benefit-risk ratio of epilepsy surgery. Dedicated long-term prospective studies will thus be required to provide more personalized information on the impact of surgery and/or neuromodulation on the risk of death and SUDEP.

Epileptic seizures and Epilepsy Monitoring Unit admission disclose latent cardiac electrical instability

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac arrest results from cardiac electrical instability and is 3-fold more frequent in patients with chronic epilepsy than in the general population. We hypothesized that focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FTBTCS) would acutely impact T-wave alternans (TWA), a marker of cardiac electrical instability linked to an elevated risk for sudden cardiac death, more than focal seizures (FS) [focal aware seizures (FAS) and focal with impaired awareness seizures (FIAS)], due to their greater sympathetic stimulation of the heart. Since stress has been shown to cause significant TWA elevations in patients with heart disease, we also hypothesized that the early days of an inpatient admission to an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) would be associated with higher TWA levels compared to later hospital days in patients with chronic epilepsy, presumably due to stress.

DESIGN/METHODS

We analyzed the acute effects of seizures [FAS, FIAS, FTBTCS, and nonepileptic seizures (NES)] and day of hospital stay on TWA in 18 patients admitted to the EMU using high-resolution wireless electrocardiographic (ECG) patch monitors.

RESULTS

A total of 5 patients had FTBTCS, 7 patients had FS (2 FAS, 5 FIAS), and 3 patients had NES only during the index hospital stay. Four patients did not have any electroclinical seizures or NES. FTBTCS resulted in marked acute increases in ictal TWA from baseline (2 ± 0.3 µV) to ictal maximum (70 ± 6.1 µV, p < 0.0001), the latter exceeding the 60 µV cut point defined as severely abnormal. By comparison, while FAS and FIAS also provoked significant increases in TWA (from 2 ± 0.5 µV to 30 ± 3.3 µV, p < 0.0001), maximum ictal TWA levels did not reach the 47 µV cut point defined as abnormal. Heart rate increases during FTBTCS from baseline (62 ± 5.8 beats/min) to ictal maximum (134 ± 8.6 beats/min, an increase of 72 ± 7.2 beats/min, p < 0.02) were also greater (p = 0.014) than heart rate increases during FS (from 70 ± 5.2 beats/min to 118 ± 6.2 beats/min, an increase of 48 ± 2.6 beats/min, p < 0.03). In 3 patients with NES, TWA rose mildly during the patients' typical episodes (from 2 ± 0.6 µV to 14 ± 2.6 µV, p < 0.0004), well below the cut point of abnormality, while heart rate increases were observed (from 75 ± 1.3 to 112 ± 8.7 beats/min, an increase of 37 ± 8.9 beats/min, p = 0.03). Patients with EEG-confirmed electroclinical seizures recorded while in the EMU exhibited significantly elevated interictal TWA maxima (61 ± 3.4 µV) on EMU admission day which were similar in magnitude to ictal maxima seen during FTBTCS (70 ± 6.1 µV, p = 0.21). During subsequent days of hospitalization, daily interictal TWA maxima showed gradual habituation in patients with both FS and FTBTCS but not in patients with NES only.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to our knowledge demonstrating that FTBTCS acutely provoke highly significant increases in TWA to levels that have been associated with heightened risk for sudden cardiac death in other patient populations. We speculate that mortality temporally associated with FTBTCS may, in some cases, be due to sudden cardiac death rather than respiratory failure. In patients with EEG-confirmed epilepsy, hospital admission is associated with interictal TWA maxima that approach those seen during FTBTCS, presumably related to stress during the early phase of hospitalization compared to later in the hospitalization, indicating cardiac electrical instability and potential vulnerability to sudden cardiac death related to stress independent of temporal relationships to seizures. The elevated heart rates observed acutely with seizures and on hospital Day 1 are consistent with a hyperadrenergic state and the effect of elevated sympathetic output on a vulnerable cardiac substrate, a phenomenon termed "the Epileptic Heart."

Epilepsy and the gut: Perpetrator or victim?

The brain and the gut are linked together with a complex, bi-path link known as the gut-brain axis through the central and enteric nervous systems. So, the brain directly affects and controls the gut through various neurocrine and endocrine processes, and the gut impacts the brain via different mechanisms. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (CNS) disorder with abnormal brain activity, causing repeated seizures due to a transient excessive or synchronous alteration in the brain’s electrical activity. Due to the strong relationship between the enteric and the CNS, gastrointestinal dysfunction may increase the risk of epilepsy. Meanwhile, about 2.5% of patients with epilepsy were misdiagnosed as having gastrointestinal disorders, especially in children below the age of one year. Gut dysbiosis also has a significant role in epileptogenesis. Epilepsy, in turn, affects the gastrointestinal tract in different forms, such as abdominal aura, epilepsy with abdominal pain, and the adverse effects of medications on the gut and the gut microbiota. Epilepsy with abdominal pain, a type of temporal lobe epilepsy, is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. Epilepsy also can present with postictal states with gastrointestinal manifestations such as postictal hypersalivation, hyperphagia, or compulsive water drinking. At the same time, antiseizure medications have many gastrointestinal side effects. On the other hand, some antiseizure medications may improve some gastrointestinal diseases. Many gut manipulations were used successfully to manage epilepsy. Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, a ketogenic diet, fecal microbiota transplantation, and vagus nerve stimulation were used successfully to treat some patients with epilepsy. Other manipulations, such as omental transposition, still need more studies. This narrative review will discuss the different ways the gut and epilepsy affect each other.

Protocols for multimodal polygraphy for cardiorespiratory monitoring in the epilepsy monitoring unit. Part II - Research acquisition

Multimodal polygraphy including cardiorespiratory monitoring is a valuable tool for epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) research. Broader applications in research into stress, anxiety, mood and other domains exist. Polygraphy techniques used during video electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings provide information on cardiac and respiratory changes in the peri-ictal period. In addition, such monitoring in brain mapping during chronic intracranial EEG evaluations has helped the understanding of pathomechanisms that lead to seizure induced cardiorespiratory dysfunction. Our aim here is to provide protocols and information on devices that may be used in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, in addition to proposed standard of care data acquisition. These devices include oronasal thermistors, oronasal pressure transducers, capnography, transcutaneous CO2 sensors, and continuous noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. Standard protocols for cardiorespiratory monitoring simultaneously with video EEG recording, may be useful in the study of cardiorespiratory phenomena in persons with epilepsy.

Protocols for multimodal polygraphy for cardiorespiratory monitoring in the epilepsy monitoring unit. Part I: Clinical acquisition

Multimodal polygraphy including cardiorespiratory monitoring in the Epilepsy Monitoring is becoming increasingly important. In addition to simultaneous recording of video and EEG, the combination of these techniques not only improves seizure detection, it enhances patient safety and provides information on autonomic clinical symptoms, which may be contributory to localization of seizure foci. However, there are currently no consensus guidelines, nor adequate information on devices available for multimodal polygraphy for cardiorespiratory monitoring in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Our purpose here is to provide protocols and information on devices for such monitoring. Suggested parameters include respiratory inductance plethysmography (thoraco-abdominal belts for respiratory rate), pulse oximetry and four-lead electrocardiography. Detailed knowledge of devices, their operability and acquisition optimization enables accurate interpretation of signal and differentiation of abnormalities from artifacts. Multimodal polygraphy brings new opportunities for identification of peri-ictal cardiorespiratory abnormalities, and may identify high SUDEP risk individuals.

The emerging role of furin in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases

Furin is an important mammalian proprotein convertase that catalyzes the proteolytic maturation of a variety of prohormones and proproteins in the secretory pathway. In the brain, the substrates of furin include the proproteins of growth factors, receptors and enzymes. Emerging evidence, such as reduced FURIN mRNA expression in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients or schizophrenia patients, has implicated a crucial role of furin in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Currently, compared to cancer and infectious diseases, the aberrant expression of furin and its pharmaceutical potentials in neurological diseases remain poorly understood. In this article, we provide an overview on the physiological roles of furin and its substrates in the brain, summarize the deregulation of furin expression and its effects in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, and discuss the implications and current approaches that target furin for therapeutic interventions. This review may expedite future studies to clarify the molecular mechanisms of furin deregulation and involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, and to develop new diagnosis and treatment strategies for these diseases.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with a subsequent epilepsy diagnosis independent of stroke: A retrospective matched administrative cohort study on 149,632 patients

Recently there has been a rising interest in the identification and possible prevention of risk factors for epilepsies. In the present study, we investigated the potential association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and epilepsy in a German cohort of ambulatory patients aged ≥18 with an initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation documented in 1274 general practices in Germany between January 2005 and December 2018. Using the IQVIA Disease Analyzer database, we identified 74,681 ambulatory patients with AF. These were matched 1:1 to patients without AF based on sex, age, index year, yearly consultation frequency, and defined co-diagnoses like stroke. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between AF and epilepsy. Within 10 years of the index date, 1.9% of individuals with AF and 1.5% of individuals without AF were diagnosed with epilepsy (log-rank p < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with an increase in the incidence of epilepsy (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.51, p < 0.001). The association was significant in all age groups, except in patients >80 years of age (HR: 1.29, p = 0.031). Our study demonstrates that AF is associated with an increased incidence of epilepsy. This finding could help understand the mechanisms of epilepsy in heart disease and to better protect affected individuals in the future.

T-wave heterogeneity crescendo in the surface EKG is superior to heart rate acceleration for seizure prediction

We examined whether T-wave heterogeneity (TWH) on the surface electrocardiographic (EKG) could predict epileptic seizure onset. Patients with electroencephalography-confirmed generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) (n = 6) exhibited abnormal elevations in TWH (>80 µV) at baseline (105 ± 20.4 µV), which increased from 30 min prior to seizure without heart rate increases > 2 beats/min until 10 min pre-seizure. Specifically, TWH on 3-lead surface EKG patch recordings increased from 1-hour baseline to 30 min (<0.05), 20 min (p < 0.002), 10 min (p = 0.01), and 1 min (p = 0.01) before seizure onset. At 10 min following GTCS, TWH returned to 110 ± 20.3 µV, similar to baseline (p = 0.54). This pre-ictal TWH warning pattern was not present in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) (n = 3), as TWH did not increase until PNES and returned to baseline within 10 min after PNES. Acute elevations in TWH may predict impending GTCS and may discriminate patients with GTCS from those with behaviorally similar PNES.