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Zhou Z, Gong P, Jiao X, Niu Y, Xu Z, Qin J, Yang Z. A generalized seizure type: Myoclonic-to-tonic seizure. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 164:24-29. [PMID: 38823261 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.04.011] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that myoclonic seizures can evolve to tonic seizures, we documented the electroclinical features of this under-recognized seizure type. METHODS We observed a distinct seizure pattern starting with myoclonus without returning to an interictal state, which subsequently evolved into generalized tonic seizures. The detailed symptomatic and electroencephalographic characteristics of this seizure were extracted, and the clinical manifestations, drug curative responses in patients with this seizure were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS The onset of all seizures was characterized by a preceding period of myoclonus and bursts of generalized spike or poly-spike slow wave discharges with high amplitude. This was closely followed by the occurrence of tonic seizures, which were distinguished by bursts of generalized fast activity at 10 Hz or higher frequency. This under-recognized seizure type has been designated as myoclonic-to-tonic (MT) seizure. The number of patients identified with MT seizures in this study was 34. The prevalence rate of MT seizures was found to be higher in males. While MT seizures typically included a tonic component, it should be noted that some patients experiencing this seizure type never presented with isolated tonic seizures. Generalized Epilepsy not further defined (GE) accounted for approximately one-third of the diagnosed cases, followed by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic seizures. In comparison to other types of epilepsy, GE with MT seizures demonstrated a more favorable prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The classification of myoclonic-to-tonic seizure represents a novel approach in comprehending the ictogenesis of generalized seizures and can provide valuable assistance to clinicians in epilepsy diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongpu Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xianru Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiong Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Wu S, Nordli DR. Motor seizure semiology. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:295-304. [PMID: 37620075 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00014-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Motor semiology is a major component of epilepsy evaluation, which provides essential information on seizure classification and helps in seizure localization. The typical motor seizures include tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, myoclonic, atonic, epileptic spasms, automatisms, and hyperkinetic seizures. Compared to the "positive" motor signs, negative motor phenomena, for example, atonic seizures and Todd's paralysis are also crucial in seizure analysis. Several motor signs, for example, version, unilateral dystonia, figure 4 sign, M2e sign, and asymmetric clonic ending, are commonly observed and have significant clinical value in seizure localization. The purpose of this chapter is to review the localization value and pathophysiology associated with the well-defined motor seizure semiology using updated knowledge from intracranial electroencephalographic recordings, particularly stereoelectroencephalography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Wu
- Department of Neurology and the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Douglas R Nordli
- Department of Pediatrics and the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Bartolini E, Ferrari AR, Lattanzi S, Pradella S, Zaccara G. Drug-resistant epilepsy at the age extremes: Disentangling the underlying etiology. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108739. [PMID: 35636351 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of epilepsy is highest at the extreme age ranges: childhood and elderly age. The most common syndromes in these demographics - self-limited epilepsies of childhood and idiopathic generalized epilepsies in pediatric age, focal epilepsy with structural etiology in older people - are expected to be drug responsive. In this work, we focus on such epilepsy types, overviewing the complex clinical background of unexpected drug-resistance. For self-limited epilepsies of childhood and idiopathic generalized epilepsies, we illustrate drug-resistance resulting from syndrome misinterpretation, reason on possible unexpected courses of epilepsy, and explicate the influence of inappropriate treatments. For elderly-onset epilepsy, we show the challenges in differential diagnosis possibly leading to pseudoresistance and analyze how drug-resistant epilepsy can arise in stroke, neurocognitive disorders, brain tumors, and autoimmune encephalitis. In children and senior people, drug-resistance can be regarded as a hint to review the diagnosis or explore alternative therapeutic strategies. Refractory seizures are not only a therapeutic challenge, but also a cardinal sign not to be overlooked in syndromes commonly deemed to be drug-responsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Bartolini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Anna Rita Ferrari
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Pradella
- USL Centro Toscana, Neurology Unit, Nuovo Ospedale Santo Stefano, Prato, Italy.
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Carter EG, Armour EA, Pagano LM, Reddy SB. Epilepsy with myoclonic absences: a case series highlighting clinical heterogeneity and surgical management. Epileptic Disord 2022; 24:541-547. [PMID: 35770757 DOI: 10.1684/epd.2022.1420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy with myoclonic absences is a rare epilepsy syndrome with distinct features and high rates of drug resistance. Identifying this syndrome may help guide treatment decisions. We highlight clinical heterogeneity in this case series and two cases in which corpus callosotomy was performed. METHODS Medical records were reviewed between 2017 and 2021 to identify demographics, comorbidities, age at onset, EEG findings, diagnostic evaluations, seizure semiologies, seizure frequency, anti-seizure medications, diet therapy and surgical treatments in patients with myoclonic absences. RESULTS Ten patients were identified including twins with myoclonic absence status epilepticus. Forty percent had an atonic component, 20% presented with myoclonic absence status epilepticus and 60% had incomplete control of seizures at last follow-up visit. Two patients with epilepsy with myoclonic absences with atonia underwent corpus callosotomy; one patient was seizurefree eight months after surgery and the other had greater than 50% seizure reduction over a five-month period. SIGNIFICANCE Phenotypic heterogeneity was evident based on seizure semiologies, comorbidities, seizure frequency and response to anti-seizure medications and non-medication treatments. Of patients with an atonic component, 75% did not achieve seizure freedom with medication alone. Corpus callosotomy was performed in two of these patients with encouraging seizure response thus far, however, the efficacy of this treatment should be further evaluated in a larger study.
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Specchio N, Wirrell EC, Scheffer IE, Nabbout R, Riney K, Samia P, Guerreiro M, Gwer S, Zuberi SM, Wilmshurst JM, Yozawitz E, Pressler R, Hirsch E, Wiebe S, Cross HJ, Perucca E, Moshé SL, Tinuper P, Auvin S. International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: Position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1398-1442. [PMID: 35503717 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification has defined a three-tier system with epilepsy syndrome identification at the third level. Although a syndrome cannot be determined in all children with epilepsy, identification of a specific syndrome provides guidance on management and prognosis. In this paper, we describe the childhood onset epilepsy syndromes, most of which have both mandatory seizure type(s) and interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) features. Based on the 2017 Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies, some syndrome names have been updated using terms directly describing the seizure semiology. Epilepsy syndromes beginning in childhood have been divided into three categories: (1) self-limited focal epilepsies, comprising four syndromes: self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, childhood occipital visual epilepsy, and photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy; (2) generalized epilepsies, comprising three syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, epilepsy with myoclonic absence, and epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia; and (3) developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathies, comprising five syndromes: epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep, hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome, and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. We define each, highlighting the mandatory seizure(s), EEG features, phenotypic variations, and findings from key investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Full Member of EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital, Florey Institute, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Sick Children Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, member of EpiCARE, Imagine Institute, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Mixed Unit of Research 1163, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kate Riney
- Neurosciences Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline Samia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Sam Gwer
- School of Medicine, Kenyatta University, and Afya Research Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children and Institute of Health & Wellbeing, member of EpiCARE, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elissa Yozawitz
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology of the Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ronit Pressler
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, University College London National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Edouard Hirsch
- Neurology Epilepsy Units "Francis Rohmer", INSERM 1258, FMTS, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sam Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Helen J Cross
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, University College London National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and Young Epilepsy Lingfield, London, UK
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, and Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Robert Debré Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, NeuroDiderot, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Department Medico-Universitaire Innovation Robert-Debré, Pediatric Neurology, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Cerulli Irelli E, Barone FA, Mari L, Morano A, Orlando B, Salamone EM, Marchi A, Fanella M, Fattouch J, Placidi F, Giallonardo AT, Izzi F, Di Bonaventura C. Generalized Fast Discharges Along the Genetic Generalized Epilepsy Spectrum: Clinical and Prognostic Significance. Front Neurol 2022; 13:844674. [PMID: 35356452 PMCID: PMC8960043 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.844674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the electroclinical characteristics and the prognostic impact of generalized fast discharges in a large cohort of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) patients studied with 24-h prolonged ambulatory electroencephalography (paEEG). Methods This retrospective multicenter cohort study included 202 GGE patients. The occurrence of generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA) and generalized polyspike train (GPT) was reviewed. GGE patients were classified as having idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) or another GGE syndrome (namely perioral myoclonia with absences, eyelid myoclonia with absences, epilepsy with myoclonic absences, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, or GGE without a specific epilepsy syndrome) according to recent classification proposals. Results GPFA/GPT was found in overall 25 (12.4%) patients, though it was significantly less frequent in IGE compared with other GGE syndromes (9.3 vs. 25%, p = 0.007). GPFA/GPT was found independently of seizure type experienced during history, the presence of mild intellectual disability/borderline intellectual functioning, or EEG features. At multivariable analysis, GPFA/GPT was significantly associated with drug resistance (p = 0.04) and with a higher number of antiseizure medications (ASMs) at the time of paEEG (p < 0.001) and at the last medical observation (p < 0.001). Similarly, GPFA/GPT, frequent/abundant generalized spike-wave discharges during sleep, and a higher number of seizure types during history were the only factors independently associated with a lower chance of achieving 2-year seizure remission at the last medical observation. Additionally, a greater number of GPFA/GPT discharges significantly discriminated between patients who achieved 2-year seizure remission at the last medical observation and those who did not (area under the curve = 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.57–0.97, p = 0.02) Conclusion We found that generalized fast discharges were more common than expected in GGE patients when considering the entire GGE spectrum. In addition, our study highlighted that GPFA/GPT could be found along the entire GGE continuum, though their occurrence was more common in less benign GGE syndromes. Finally, we confirmed that GPFA/GPT was associated with difficult-to-treat GGE, as evidenced by the multivariable analysis and the higher ASM load during history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cerulli Irelli
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Mari
- Epilepsy Center, Neurology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Morano
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio Orlando
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Michele Salamone
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Marchi
- Epilepsy Center, Neurology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Fanella
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jinane Fattouch
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Placidi
- Epilepsy Center, Neurology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Giallonardo
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Izzi
- Epilepsy Center, Neurology Unit, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Carlo Di Bonaventura
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7
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Chatterjee A, Mundlamuri RC, Kenchaiah R, Asranna A, Nagappa M, Bindu PS, Seshagiri DV, Viswanathan LG, Shreedhar AS, Duble S, Rangarajan A, Khilari M, Bharath RD, Saini J, Thennarasu K, Taly AB, Sinha S. Role of pulse methylprednisolone in epileptic encephalopathy: A retrospective observational analysis. Epilepsy Res 2021; 173:106611. [PMID: 33740698 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the effect of monthly pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) on seizure and global outcomes in children with epileptic encephalopathy (EE). METHODS This retrospective study was undertaken in a tertiary care epilepsy center in India. Consecutive patients with EE who had received IVMP as adjunctive therapy for a minimum of 3 months and had at least one pre-and post-steroid EEG each, were identified and a structured questionnaire was used to collect information including outcomes at 3 months post-steroid course completion and beyond, as available. RESULTS Ninety-seven patients (M:F=71:26) fulfilling the inclusion criteria with a mean age at onset of seizures being 20.52 ± 25.69 months were included. Commonest seizure types were myoclonic (66%); Lennaux-Gastaut and West Syndromes accounted for 57 % and 24 % patients respectively. The etiology was unknown in 52 %. All children were on a combination of standard anti-seizure drugs. The duration of IVMP pulse therapy was 7.72 ± 6.25 months. One-fourth (26 %) patients experienced minor adverse events. Greater than 50 % seizure burden reduction was seen in 66 % patients at 3 months with seizure-freedom in 25 %. A total of 45 (46 %) patients became seizure-free in the cohort eventually with continuation of steroids beyond 3 months. Children with idiopathic EEs, normal neuroimaging, myoclonic jerks, and West syndrome showed the best response. The presence of burst-suppression and generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA) predicted inadequate response. CONCLUSIONS Adjunct pulse doses of IVMP are safe, well-tolerated, and effective in reducing seizures and improving global outcomes in children with idiopathic EEs, West syndrome, normal neuroimaging, and myoclonic jerks. Seizure freedom might be delayed in a subset of these patients, hence duration of therapy beyond 3 months may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparajita Chatterjee
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | | | - Raghavendra Kenchaiah
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Ajay Asranna
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - M Nagappa
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - P S Bindu
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - D V Seshagiri
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | | | - A S Shreedhar
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Sisir Duble
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Anush Rangarajan
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Madhuri Khilari
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Rose Dawn Bharath
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Jitender Saini
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - K Thennarasu
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Arun B Taly
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India
| | - Sanjib Sinha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560011, India.
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Baroli G, Sanchez JR, Agostinelli E, Mariottini P, Cervelli M. Polyamines: The possible missing link between mental disorders and epilepsy (Review). Int J Mol Med 2019; 45:3-9. [PMID: 31746386 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are small positively charged alkylamines that are essential in a number of crucial eukaryotic processes, like normal cell growth and development. In normal physiological conditions, intracellular polyamine content is tightly regulated through a fine regulated network of biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes and a transport system. The dysregulation of this network is frequently associated to different tumors, where high levels of polyamines has been detected. Polyamines also modulate ion channels and ionotropic glutamate receptors and altered levels of polyamines have been observed in different brain diseases, including mental disorders and epilepsy. The goal of this article is to review the role of polyamines in mental disorders and epilepsy within a frame of the possible link between these two brain pathologies. The high comorbidity between these two neurological illnesses is strongly suggestive that they share a common background in the central nervous system. This review proposes an additional association between the noradrenalin/serotonin and glutamatergic neuronal circuits with polyamines. Polyamines can be considered supplementary defensive shielding molecules, important to protect the brain from the development of epilepsy and mental illnesses that are caused by different types of neurons. In this contest, the modulation of polyamine metabolism may be a novel important target for the prevention and therapeutic treatment of these diseases that have a high impact on the costs of public health and considerably affect quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Baroli
- Department of Science, University of Rome 'Roma Tre', I‑00146 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'Rossi Fanelli', University of Rome 'La Sapienza', I‑00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariottini
- Department of Science, University of Rome 'Roma Tre', I‑00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Cervelli
- Department of Science, University of Rome 'Roma Tre', I‑00146 Rome, Italy
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9
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Iyer RS. Proximal Upper Limb Jerking: Important Clinical Sign to Diagnose Epilepsy With Myoclonic Absences. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 71:88-89. [PMID: 28366625 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Shankar Iyer
- Department of Neurology, KG Hospital and Post Graduate Medical Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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10
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Myers KA, Scheffer IE. Myoclonic Absence Seizures in Dravet Syndrome. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 70:67-69. [PMID: 28233668 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that occurs as a result of SCN1A mutations in more than 80% of affected individuals. The core clinical features of Dravet syndrome include febrile and afebrile seizures beginning before 12 months; multiple seizure types, usually medically refractory, including hemiclonic, generalized tonic-clonic, focal impaired awareness, myoclonic, and absence seizures; status epilepticus; and normal early development with plateau or regression by age two years. Myoclonic absence seizures have not previously been described. PATIENT DESCRIPTION This 20-year-old man had infantile-onset epilepsy with the classical clinical features of Dravet syndrome and a de novo A1326P SCN1A mutation. By five years of age, photosensitive myoclonic absence seizures had become his dominant seizure type, occurring up to 20 times per day. RESULTS The seizures were refractory to multiple antiepileptic medications and a vagus nerve stimulator. CONCLUSIONS Although photosensitivity is well recognized in Dravet syndrome, myoclonic absence seizures have not been previously reported. This rare seizure type may be underreported in Dravet syndrome, as the myoclonic features may be subtle and can be missed if thorough history taking and video recordings are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Myers
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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11
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Tomson T, Marson A, Boon P, Canevini MP, Covanis A, Gaily E, Kälviäinen R, Trinka E. Valproate in the treatment of epilepsy in girls and women of childbearing potential. Epilepsia 2015; 56:1006-19. [PMID: 25851171 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This document provides guidance on the use of valproate in girls and women of childbearing age from a joint Task Force of the Commission on European Affairs of the International League Against Epilepsy (CEA-ILAE) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), following strengthened warnings from the Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures-Human (CMDh) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which highlight the risk of malformations and developmental problems in infants who are exposed to valproate in the womb. To produce these recommendations, the Task Force has considered teratogenic risks associated with use of valproate and treatment alternatives, the importance of seizure control and of patient and fetal risks with seizures, and the effectiveness of valproate and treatment alternatives in the treatment of different epilepsies. The Task Force's recommendations include the following: (1) Where possible, valproate should be avoided in women of childbearing potential. (2) The choice of treatment for girls and women of childbearing potential should be based on a shared decision between clinician and patient, and where appropriate, the patient's representatives. Discussions should include a careful risk-benefit assessment of reasonable treatment options for the patient's seizure or epilepsy type. (3) For seizure (or epilepsy) types where valproate is the most effective treatment, the risks and benefits of valproate and other treatment alternatives should be discussed. (4) Valproate should not be prescribed as a first-line treatment for focal epilepsy. (5) Valproate may be offered as a first-line treatment for epilepsy syndromes where it is the most effective treatment, including idiopathic (genetic) generalized syndromes associated with tonic-clonic seizures. (6) Valproate may be offered as a first-line treatment in situations where pregnancy is highly unlikely (e.g., significant intellectual or physical disability). (7) Women and girls taking valproate require regular follow-up for ongoing consideration of the most appropriate treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anthony Marson
- Department Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Boon
- Reference Center for Refractory Epilepsy, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maria Paola Canevini
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Athanasios Covanis
- Department of Neurology, The Children Hospital "Agia Sophia", Athens, Greece
| | - Eija Gaily
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reetta Kälviäinen
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Kuopio Epilepsy Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Public Health and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - Health & Life Sciences University, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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Abstract
Myoclonus can be classified as physiologic, essential, epileptic, and symptomatic. Animal models of myoclonus include DDT and posthypoxic myoclonus in the rat. 5-Hydrotryptophan, clonazepam, and valproic acid suppress myoclonus induced by posthypoxia. The diagnostic evaluation of myoclonus is complex and involves an extensive work-up including basic electrolytes, glucose, renal and hepatic function tests, paraneoplastic antibodies, drug and toxicology screens, thyroid antibody and function studies, neurophysiology testing, imaging, and tests for malabsorption disorders, assays for enzyme deficiencies, tissue biopsy, copper studies, alpha-fetoprotein, cytogenetic analysis, radiosensitivity DNA synthesis, genetic testing for inherited disorders, and mitochondrial function studies. Treatment of myoclonus is targeted to the underlying disorder. If myoclonus physiology cannot be demonstrated, treatment should be aimed at the common pattern of symptoms. If the diagnosis is not known, treatment could be directed empirically at cortical myoclonus as the most common physiology. In cortical myoclonus, the most effective drugs are sodium valproic acid, clonazepam, levetiracetam, and piracetam. For cortical-subcortical myoclonus, valproic acid is the drug of choice. Here, lamotrigine can be used either alone or in combination with valproic acid. Ethosuximide, levetiracetam, or zonisamide can also be used as adjunct therapy with valproic acid. A ketogenic diet can be considered if everything else fails. Subcortical-nonsegmental myoclonus may respond to clonazepam and deep-brain stimulation. Rituximab, adrenocorticotropic hormone, high-dose dexamethasone pulse, or plasmapheresis have been reported to improve opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome. Reticular reflex myoclonus can be treated with clonazepam, diazepam and 5-hydrotryptophan. For palatal myoclonus, a variety of drugs have been used.
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