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Dhar D, Mm S, Parvin N, Dey T, Pal A, Pal PK. Islands and Neurology: An Exploration into a Unique Association. Neuroscientist 2024:10738584241257927. [PMID: 38842035 DOI: 10.1177/10738584241257927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The current study investigates the intricate connection between neurology and islands shedding light on the historical, epidemiological, and genetic aspects. Based on an elaborate literature review, we identified neurological conditions having a significant clustering in an island(s), confined to a particular island(s), named after an island, and described first in an island. The genetic factors played a crucial role, uncovering disorders like Cayman ataxia, Machado Joseph disease, SGCE-mediated dystonia-myoclonus syndrome, X-linked dystonia parkinsonism, hereditary transthyretinrelated amyloidosis, Charcot Marie Tooth 4F, and progressive myoclonic epilepsy syndromes, that exhibited remarkable clustering in diverse islands. Local customs also left enduring imprints. Practices such as cannibalism in Papua New Guinea led to Kuru, while cycad seed consumption in Guam triggered Lytico-Bodig disease. Toxin-mediated neurologic disorders exhibited intricate island connections, exemplified by Minamata disease in Kyushu islands and atypical parkinsonism in French Caribbean islands. Additionally, the Cuban epidemic of amblyopia and neuropathy was associated with severe nutritional deficiencies. This study pioneers a comprehensive review narrating the genetic, environmental, and cultural factors highlighting the spectrum of neurological disorders in island settings. It enriches the medical literature with a unique understanding of the diverse influences shaping neurological health in island environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjyoti Dhar
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Samim Mm
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Naznin Parvin
- Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Treshita Dey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Anantini Pal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bangalore Institute of Medical College and Research Institute, Karnataka, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Pal
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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Clinical and molecular characterization of Unverricht-Lundborg disease among Egyptian patients. Epilepsy Res 2021; 176:106746. [PMID: 34474241 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD) is a common type of progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME). It is caused mostly by biallelic dodecamer repeat expansions in the promoter region of CSTB gene. Despite highly prevalent in the Mediterranean countries, no studies have been reported from Egypt. This article study the presence of CSTB gene mutations among Egyptian patients clinically suspected with ULD, and describes the clinical and genetic characteristics of those with confirmed gene mutation. METHODS Medical records of patients following up in two specialized epilepsy clinics in Cairo, Egypt were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty patients who belonged to 13 unrelated families were provisionally diagnosed with ULD based on the clinical presentation. Genetic testing was done. Clinical characteristics, demographic data and EEG findings were documented. RESULTS Genetic studies confirmed the presence of the CSTB dodecamer repeat expansion in 14 patients from 8 families (frequency 70 %). The mean duration of the follow-up was 5 years. Male to female distribution was 1:1 with a mean age of onset 9.7 years. Consanguinity was noted in 4 families. Eight patients had their first seizure between the age of 10 and 20 years. Myoclonic jerks ranged in severity from mild in three unrelated patients to severe in one. Only 3 had cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the presence of CSTB mutation among Egyptian patients suspected with ULD. There was no clear phenotype-genotype correlation among the studied group of patients. In addition, we noticed variable inter and intra familial severity among patients from the same family.
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Abstract
Epilepsy encompasses a group of heterogeneous brain diseases that affect more than 50 million people worldwide. Epilepsy may have discernible structural, infectious, metabolic, and immune etiologies; however, in most people with epilepsy, no obvious cause is identifiable. Based initially on family studies and later on advances in gene sequencing technologies and computational approaches, as well as the establishment of large collaborative initiatives, we now know that genetics plays a much greater role in epilepsy than was previously appreciated. Here, we review the progress in the field of epilepsy genetics and highlight molecular discoveries in the most important epilepsy groups, including those that have been long considered to have a nongenetic cause. We discuss where the field of epilepsy genetics is moving as it enters a new era in which the genetic architecture of common epilepsies is starting to be unraveled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Departments of Medicine and Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3050, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia;
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Saadah M, El Beshari M, Saadah L, Hamdallah H, Alloub Z, Al Zaabi AA, Ben-Mussa A, Ben-Nour A. Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1: Report of an Emirati family and literature review. EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR CASE REPORTS 2014; 2:112-7. [PMID: 25667885 PMCID: PMC4307868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type one is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by action- and stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, tonic-clonic seizures, progressive cerebellar ataxia, preserved cognition, and poor outcome. The authors report clinical, neurophysiological, radiological, and genetic findings of an Emirati family with five affected siblings and review the literature. METHODS All data concerning familial and clinical history, neurologic examination, laboratory tests, electroencephalogram, brain imaging, and DNA analysis were examined. RESULTS Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of autosomal recessive progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 (EPM1) in two males and three females. The median age at onset was three years. Action- or stimulus-sensitive myoclonus and generalized seizures were recorded in 100% of our patients, at median age at onset of 3 and 4 years, respectively. Multisegmental myoclonus and generalized status myoclonicus were observed in 80% of our patients. Dysarthria and ataxia developed in 100% of our patients. Vitamin D deficiency and recurrent viral infections were noticed in 100% of our cohort. Cognitive, learning, and motor dysfunctions were involved in 100% of our patients. The sphincters were affected in 60% of our patients. Abnormal EEG was recorded in 100% of our cohort. Generalized brain atrophy progressively occurred in 60% of our patients. Phenytoin and carbamazepine were used in 60% of our patients with worsening effect. Valproate and levetiracetam were used in 100% of our patients with improving effect. CONCLUSIONS This is the first to report a family with EPM1 in UAE. Our study emphasized a particular phenotype expressed as earlier disease onset, severe myoclonus, and generalized seizures. Cognitive, cerebellar, motor, and autonomic dysfunctions and brain atrophy were also earlier at onset and more severe than previously reported. Recurrent viral infections are another unique feature. This constellation in tout à fait was not previously reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Saadah
- Department of Neurology, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahfoud El Beshari
- Department of Neurology, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Loai Saadah
- Department of Pharmacy, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hisham Hamdallah
- Department of Neurology, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zeinab Alloub
- Department of Pediatrics, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amani Ali Al Zaabi
- Department of Neurology, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Anwaar Ben-Nour
- Department of Neurology, 7th October Hospital, Benghazi, Libya
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Kälviäinen R, Khyuppenen J, Koskenkorva P, Eriksson K, Vanninen R, Mervaala E. Clinical picture of EPM1-Unverricht-Lundborg disease. Epilepsia 2008; 49:549-56. [PMID: 18325013 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD), progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 (EPM1, OMIM254800), is an autosomal recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by age of onset from 6 to 16 years, stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, and tonic-clonic epileptic seizures. Some years after the onset ataxia, incoordination, intentional tremor, and dysarthria develop. Individuals with EPM1 are mentally alert but show emotional lability, depression, and mild decline in intellectual performance over time. The diagnosis of EPM1 can be confirmed by identifying disease-causing mutations in a cysteine protease inhibitor cystatin B (CSTB) gene. Symptomatic pharmacologic and rehabilitative management, including psychosocial support, are the mainstay of EPM1 patients' care. Valproic acid, the first drug of choice, diminishes myoclonus and the frequency of generalized seizures. Clonazepam and high-dose piracetam are used to treat myoclonus, whereas levetiracetam seems to be effective for both myoclonus and generalized seizures. There are a number of agents that aggravate clinical course of EPM1 such as phenytoin aggravating the associated neurologic symptoms or even accelerating cerebellar degeneration. Sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) and GABAergic drugs (tiagabine, vigabatrin) as well as gabapentin and pregabalin may aggravate myoclonus and myoclonic seizures. EPM1 patients need lifelong clinical follow-up, including evaluation of the drug-treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetta Kälviäinen
- Kuopio Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
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Abstract
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD) is the purest and least severe type of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), and is not associated with progressive cognitive deficit. Symptoms stabilize in adulthood, with a varying degree of permanent, often severe handicap that is mostly due to myoclonus. The disorder follows an autosomal recessive transmission pattern, with onset between 8 and 15 years years of age of generalized tonic-clonic or clonic-tonic-clonic seizures, action myoclonus (massive or segmental), photosensitivity, and often ataxia. Prevalence varies, it is highest in certain isolates (Finland, La Réunion Island) and in region with higher levels of inbreeding (Maghreb). ULD is due to a deficit in cystatin B (stefin B), but the mechanisms leading to the clinical symptoms are not well understood. The causative gene, PME1, was identified in 1991 and localized to chromosome 21q22.3. The mutations are mainly expansions of the CCCCGCCCCGCG dodecamer, but less common point mutations were also found. A variant has been recently reported in a Palestinian family, with localization on chromosome 12. The diagnosis of ULD is made on the basis of family history, age at onset, geographical and ethnic context, and on the typical features of myoclonus and epilepsy, in the absence of cognitive and sensory deficits. Neurophysiological evaluation yields interesting, but unspecific results. There are no biological or pathological markers for ULD. Molecular analysis confirms the diagnosis in most patients. Genetic testing for heterozygotes and even prenatal diagnosis are possible, although seldom performed, if the mutation has been identified. In spite of intensive research, ULD has yet to reveal all of its secrets. It remains a quasi "idiopathic" type of PME, with limited progression. Clinicians and patients are still waiting for an etiologically oriented treatment, which should, ideally, be admnistered early in the course of the disease, if possible before the onset of invalidating symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Genton
- Centre Saint-Paul--H. Gastaut, Marseille.
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