Transient trochlear nerve palsy following anterior temporal lobectomy for epilepsy

Multiple hippocampal transection for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: A systematic review

PURPOSE

Multiple hippocampal transection (MHT) is a surgical technique that offers adequate seizure control with minimal perioperative morbidity. However, there is little evidence available to guide neurosurgeons in selecting this technique for use in appropriate patients. This systematic review analyzes patient-level data associated with MHT for intractable epilepsy, focusing on postoperative seizure control and memory outcomes.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant articles were identified from 3 databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase) up to August 1, 2021. Inclusion criteria were that the majority of patients had received a diagnosis of intractable epilepsy, the article was written in English, MHT was the primary procedure, and patient-level metadata were included.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine unique patients who underwent MHT were identified across 11 studies. Ten (17%) of 59 patients underwent MHT alone. Forty-three (75%) of 57 patients who had a follow-up 12 months or longer were seizure free at last follow-up. With respect to postoperative verbal memory retention, 9 of 38 (24%) patient test scores did not change, 14 (37%) decreased, and 16 (42%) increased. With respect to postoperative nonverbal memory retention, 12 of 38 (34%) patient test scores did not change, 13 (34%) decreased, and 13 (33%) increased.

CONCLUSION

There are few reported patients analyzed after MHT. Although the neurocognitive benefits of MHT are unproven, this relatively novel technique has shown promise in the management of seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy. However, structured trials assessing MHT in isolation are warranted.

Chameleons, red herrings, and false localizing signs in neurocritical care

False localizing signs (FLS) and other misleading neurological signs have long been an intractable aspect of neurocritical care. Because they suggest an incorrect location or etiology of the pathological lesion, they have often led to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the patient. Here, we reviewed the existing literature to provide an updated, comprehensive descriptive review of these difficult to diagnose signs in neurocritical care. For each sign presented, we discuss the non-false localizing presentation of symptoms, the common FLS or misleading presentation, etiology/pathogenesis of the sign, and diagnosis, as well as any other clinically relevant considerations. Within cranial neuropathies, we cover cranial nerves III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, as well as multiple cranial nerve involvement of IX, X, and XII. FLS ophthalmologic symptoms indicate diagnostically challenging neurological deficits, and here we discuss downbeat nystagmus, ping-pong-gaze, one-and-a-half syndrome, and wall-eyed bilateral nuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO). Cranial herniation syndromes are integral to any discussion of FLS and here we cover Kernohan's notch phenomenon, pseudo-Dandy Walker malformation, and uncal herniation. FLS in the spinal cord have also been relatively well documented, but in addition to compressive lesions, we also discuss newer findings in radiculopathy and disc herniation. Finally, pulmonary syndromes may sometimes be overlooked in discussions of neurological signs but are critically important to recognize and manage in neurocritical care, and here we discuss Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cluster breathing, central neurogenic hyperventilation, ataxic breathing, Ondine's curse, and hypercapnia. Though some of these signs may be rare, the framework for diagnosing and treating them must continue to evolve with our growing understanding of their etiology and varied presentations.

Fourth down and five

Binocular diplopia and right hemifacial numbness developed in a 52-year-old woman after resection of a right temporal lobe glioblastoma. Based on the Parks-Bielschowsky 3-step test, she was diagnosed with a right cranial nerve (CN) IV palsy in addition to right CN V dysfunction. Iatrogenic diplopia may result from temporal lobe surgery due to the intimate relationship of CN IV and CN III to the mesial temporal lobe. In addition, injury to CN V within Meckel cave is believed to be the cause of facial numbness in some patients after temporal lobe surgery. The anatomy of the intracranial portion of CN IV is reviewed, and the etiologies of CN IV palsy are discussed.

Trigeminal neuropathic pain as a complication of anterior temporal lobectomy: report of 2 cases

Cranial nerve (CN) deficits following anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) are an uncommon but well-recognized complication. The usual CNs implicated in post-ATL complications include the oculomotor, trochlear, and facial nerves. To the authors' knowledge, injury to the trigeminal nerve leading to neuropathic pain has not been previously described in the literature. This paper presents 2 cases of trigeminal neuropathic pain following temporal lobe resections for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed and the microsurgical anatomy of surgically relevant structures is reviewed.

Temporal lobe resective surgery for medically intractable epilepsy: a review of complications and side effects

Object. It is widely accepted that temporal resective surgery represents an efficacious treatment option for patients with epilepsy of temporal origin. The meticulous knowledge of the potential complications, associated with temporal resective procedures, is of paramount importance. In our current study, we attempt to review the pertinent literature for summating the complications of temporal resective procedures for epilepsy. Method. A PubMed search was performed with the following terms: “behavioral,” “cognitive,” “complication,” “deficit,” “disorder,” “epilepsy,” “hemianopia,” “hemianopsia,” “hemorrhage,” “lobectomy,” “medial,” “memory,” “mesial,” “neurobehavioral,” “neurocognitive,” “neuropsychological,” “psychological,” “psychiatric,” “quadranopia,” “quadranopsia,” “resective,” “side effect,” “surgery,” “temporal,” “temporal lobe,” and “visual field.” Results. There were six pediatric, three mixed-population, and eleven adult surgical series examining the incidence rates of procedure-related complications. The reported mortality rates varied between 0% and 3.5%, although the vast majority of the published series reported no mortality. The cumulative morbidity rates ranged between 3.2% and 88%. Conclusions. Temporal resective surgery for epilepsy is a safe treatment modality. The reported morbidity rates demonstrate a wide variation. Accurate detection and frank reporting of any surgical, neurological, cognitive, and/or psychological complications are of paramount importance for maximizing the safety and improving the patients' overall outcome.

Infranuclear ocular motor disorders

This chapter covers the very large number of possible disorders that can affect the three ocular motor nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or the extraocular muscles. Conditions affecting the nerves are discussed under two major headings: those in which the site of damage can be anatomically localized (e.g., fascicular lesions and lesions occurring in the subarachnoid space, the cavernous sinus, the superior orbital fissure, or the orbit) and those in which the site of the lesion is either nonspecific or variable (e.g., vascular lesions, tumors, "ophthalmoplegic migraine," and congenital disorders). Specific comments on the diagnosis and management of disorders of each of the three nerves follow. Ocular motor synkineses (including Duane's retraction syndrome and aberrant regeneration) and disorders resulting in paroxysms of excess activity (e.g., neuromyotonia) are then covered, followed by myasthenia gravis and other disorders that affect the neuromuscular junction. A final section discusses disorders of the extraocular muscles themselves, including thyroid disease, orbital myositis, mitochondrial disease, and the muscular dystrophies.

Short- and long-term vertical diplopia secondary to blunt trauma

This report describes the short- and long-term ocular signs and symptoms of a patient with an orbital blow-out fracture and discusses the differential diagnosis of vertical diplopia. A blow-out fracture occurs when blunt trauma is applied either directly to the eyeball itself or the orbital rim and usually results in a fracture of the orbital floor with consequential excavation and entrapment of orbital contents in the fracture. Vertical diplopia is a common presenting symptom for a blow-out fracture of the orbit but careful considerations should be given to other potential conditions leading to such diplopia. A patient is presented who suffered a blow-out fracture almost a decade earlier, secondary to blunt trauma to the globe. The clinical findings are provided immediately after the trauma, post-surgery and during a recent ocular examination.

Prospective analysis of diplopia after anterior temporal lobectomy for mesial temporal lobe sclerosis

OBJECT

In this prospective study the authors investigated the incidence and natural history of postoperative diplopia in patients undergoing anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and amygdalohippocampectomy for medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients scheduled for ATL for medically refractory seizures were examined preoperatively, 2 to 7 days postoperatively, and 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Ophthalmological examination including pupillary measurements, stereoacuity measurements, palpebral fissure measurements, vertical fusional amplitudes, Lancaster red green testing, visual field testing, and alternate cover testing was performed. Antiepileptic drug levels were monitored. Nine (19%) of 47 patients developed diplopia postoperatively. The diplopia was caused by trochlear nerve palsy in every case. No oculomotor nerve dysfunction was documented. Trochlear nerve function recovered completely in all patients within 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative diplopia following ATL occurs more often than previously thought and is primarily due to trochlear nerve dysfunction. Awareness of this transient complication is important in preoperative patient counseling.

Transient hemifacial sensory loss with xerophthalmia following temporal lobectomy

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

The occurrence of a unilateral sensory loss in the second trigeminal distribution and the inability to tear following an ipsilateral temporal lobectomy has not been noted despite a number of reports of cranial nerve compromise under similar situations.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old woman experienced complex partial seizures over three years attributable to the presence of cavernous malformations of the right temporal lobe.

INTERVENTION

An anterior temporal extrahippocampal resection was performed. The surgery was marked by the need for electrocoagulation of the dural base of the temporal lobe where numerous bleeding points were encountered. Postoperatively, the patient experienced an ipsilateral maxillary division sensory loss, absence of tearing, and diminished nasal congestion for an eight-month period until resolution.

CONCLUSION

Injury of the fibers of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and the adjacent greater superficial petrosal nerve appears to be the cause. No prior account of such an occurrence has been published.