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Garvayo M, Dupont S, Frazzini V, Bielle F, Adam C, Bendary YE, Méré M, Samson S, Guesdon A, Navarro V, Mathon B. Resective surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis in patients over 50 years: a case-control study. J Neurol 2024; 271:6197-6208. [PMID: 39069564 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12599-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE/HS) is the most common cause of drug-resistant focal seizures and surgical resection is the primary treatment option, with seizure-free rates ranging from 60 to 80%. However, data on postsurgical seizure outcomes in patients ≥ 50 years of age are limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of surgery in this age group compared to younger patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of data from resective surgeries conducted in patients with MTLE/HS between 1990 and 2022. We focused on patients aged ≥ 50 years and compared the surgical safety and efficacy variables between this group and a control group of patients aged < 50 years through a case-control study. RESULTS Among the 450 MTLE/HS patients who underwent surgery during the inclusion period, 61 (13.6%) were aged ≥ 50 years and matched with 183 younger patients, totaling 244 study participants. The two groups had similar characteristics. At the last follow-up (median 5.7 years), Engel I outcomes were achieved in 80.3% of the older patients and 81.4% of the younger patients, with no significant difference (p = 0.85). Postoperative cognitive and psychiatric outcomes did not differ between the groups. Major complication rates were also comparable, at 3.3% in the older group and 2.7% in the younger group (p = 0.83). The extratemporal ictal abnormalities observed on video-EEG were the only variable that demonstrated a significant association with an unfavorable seizure outcome in the older group (OR 9.3, 95% CI [1.8-47.6], p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS This study provides grade 3 evidence that resective surgery for MTLE/HS patients aged ≥ 50 years is as effective and safe as it is for younger patients, and thus should be considered as the primary treatment option for drug-resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garvayo
- Department of Neurosurgery, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Dupont
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Valerio Frazzini
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, UMRS 1127, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Franck Bielle
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, UMRS 1127, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Department of Neuropathology, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Claude Adam
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Yahia El Bendary
- Department of Neurosurgery, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marie Méré
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Samson
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- ULR 4072 - PSITEC, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur, INSERM, Institut de l'Audition, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alice Guesdon
- Department of Psychiatry, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Navarro
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, UMRS 1127, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Mathon
- Department of Neurosurgery, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, INSERM U 1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, UMRS 1127, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, GRC 23, Brain Machine Interface, APHP, Paris, France.
- Robotics and Surgical Innovation, Sorbonne Université GRC 33, APHP, Paris, France.
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Piccenna L, O'Dwyer R, Leppik I, Beghi E, Giussani G, Costa C, DiFrancesco JC, Dhakar MB, Akamatsu N, Cretin B, Krämer G, Faught E, Kwan P. Management of epilepsy in older adults: A critical review by the ILAE Task Force on Epilepsy in the elderly. Epilepsia 2023; 64:567-585. [PMID: 36266921 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Older adults represent a highly heterogeneous population, with multiple diverse subgroups. Therefore, an individualized approach to treatment is essential to meet the needs of each unique subgroup. Most comparative studies focusing on treatment of epilepsy in older adults have found that levetiracetam has the best chance of long-term seizure freedom. However, there is a lack of studies investigating other newer generation antiseizure medications (ASMs). Although a number of randomized clinical trials have been performed on older adults with epilepsy, the number of participants studied was generally small, and they only investigated short-term efficacy and tolerability. Quality of life as an outcome is often missing but is necessary to understand the effectiveness and possible side effects of treatment. Prognosis needs to move beyond the focus on seizure control to long-term patient-centered outcomes. Dosing studies with newer generation ASMs are needed to understand which treatments are the best in the older adults with different comorbidities. In particular, more high-level evidence is required for older adults with Alzheimer's disease with epilepsy and status epilepticus. Future treatment studies should use greater homogeneity in the inclusion criteria to allow for clearer findings that can be comparable with other studies to build the existing treatment evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta Piccenna
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca O'Dwyer
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ilo Leppik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giussani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Neuroscience Platform, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jacopo C DiFrancesco
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) - San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Monica B Dhakar
- Department of Neurology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Naoki Akamatsu
- Department of Neurology, Fukuoka Sanno Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Benjamin Cretin
- Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Neurology, Strasbourg University Hospitals, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Edward Faught
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Husein N, Langlois-Thérien T, Rioux B, Josephson CB, Jetté N, Keezer MR. Medical and surgical treatment of epilepsy in older adults: A national survey. Epilepsia 2023; 64:900-909. [PMID: 36681893 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are no clinical guidelines dedicated to the treatment of epilepsy in older adults. We investigated physician opinion and practice regarding the treatment of people with epilepsy aged 65 years or older. We also sought to study how our opinion and practice varied between geriatricians, general neurologists, and epilepsy neurologists (i.e., epileptologists). METHODS We initially piloted our survey to measure test-retest reliability. Once finalized, we disseminated the survey via two rounds of facsimiles, and then conventional mail, to eligible individuals listed in a national directory of Canadian physicians. We used descriptive statistics such as stacked bar charts and tables to illustrate our findings. RESULTS One hundred forty-four physicians (104 general neurologists, 25 geriatricians, and 15 epileptologists) answered our survey in its entirety (overall response rate of 13.2%). Levetiracetam and lamotrigine were the preferred antiseizure medications (ASMs) to treat older adults with epilepsy. Two thirds of epileptologists and almost half of general neurologists would consider prescribing lacosamide in >50% of people aged >65 years; only one geriatrician was of the same opinion. More than 40% of general neurologists and geriatricians erroneously believed that none of the ASMs mentioned in our survey was previously studied in randomized controlled trials specific to the treatment of epilepsy in older adults. Epileptologists were more likely as compared to general neurologists and geriatricians to recommend epilepsy surgery (e.g., 66.6% vs. 22.9%-37.5% among older adults). SIGNIFICANCE Therapeutic decisions for older adults with epilepsy are heterogeneous between physician groups and sometimes misalign with available clinical evidence. Our surveyed physicians differed in their approach to ASM choice as well as perception of surgery in older adults with epilepsy. These findings likely reflect the lack of clinical guidelines dedicated to this population and the deficient implementation of best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafisa Husein
- School of Public Health of the University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Bastien Rioux
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Colin B Josephson
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathalie Jetté
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark R Keezer
- School of Public Health of the University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Hebel JM, Holtkamp M. Epilepsy surgery in older patients – English Version. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR EPILEPTOLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10309-022-00481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Bottan JS, Suller Marti A, Burneo JG, Parrent AG, MacDougall KW, McLachlan RS, Mirsattari S, Diosy DC, Steven DA. Role of resective surgery in patients older than 60 years with therapy-resistant epilepsy. J Neurosurg 2022; 137:434-441. [PMID: 34920438 DOI: 10.3171/2021.9.jns211037] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy surgery for older adults is controversial owing to their longer duration of epilepsy and perceived higher surgical risk. However, because of an aging population and documented benefit of epilepsy surgery, surgery is considered more frequently for these patients. The authors' objective was to analyze the role of resective surgery in patients older than 60 years and to assess outcomes and safety. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 595 patients who underwent resective epilepsy surgery at their center from 1999 to 2018. Thirty-one patients aged 60 years or older were identified. Sixty patients younger than 60 years were randomly selected as controls. Population characteristics, results of presurgical evaluations, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of hemisphere dominance, side of surgery, presence of a lesion, and incidence of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy duration was greater in the older cohort (p = 0.019), and invasive EEG was more commonly employed in younger patients (p = 0.030). The rates of Engel class I outcome at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 89.7%, 96.2%, and 94.7% for the older group and 75% (p = 0.159), 67.3% (p = 0.004), and 75.8% (p = 0.130) for the younger group, respectively. The proportion of seizure-free patients was greatest among those with temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly in the older group. Neurological complication rates did not differ significantly between groups, however medical and other minor complications occurred more frequently in the older group. CONCLUSIONS Patients older than 60 years had equal or better outcomes at 1 year after epilepsy surgery than younger patients. A trend toward a greater proportion of patients with lesional temporal lobe epilepsy was found in the older group. These results suggest that good seizure outcomes can be obtained in older patients despite longer duration of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan S Bottan
- 1Neurosurgery Section, Hospital Pedro de Elizalde, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Suller Marti
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Jorge G Burneo
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
- 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew G Parrent
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Keith W MacDougall
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Richard S McLachlan
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Seyed Mirsattari
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - David C Diosy
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - David A Steven
- 2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
- 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Barkley AS, Sullivan LT, Gibson AW, Zalewski K, Mac Donald CL, Barber JK, Hakimian S, Ko AL, Ojemann JG, Hauptman JS. Acute Postoperative Seizures and Engel Class Outcome at 1 Year Postselective Laser Amygdalohippocampal Ablation for Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Neurosurgery 2022; 91:347-354. [PMID: 35506941 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is a safe, minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches. Prognostic factors associated with efficacy are debated; preoperative epilepsy duration and semiology seem to be important variables. OBJECTIVE To determine whether acute postoperative seizure (APOS) after MRgLITT for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with seizure freedom/Engel class outcome at 1 year. METHODS A single-institution retrospective study including adults undergoing first time MRgLITT for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (2010-2019) with ≥1-year follow-up. Preoperative data included sex, epilepsy duration, number of antiepileptics attempted, weekly seizure frequency, seizure semiology, and radiographically verified anatomic lesion at seizure focus. Postoperative data included clinical detection of APOS within 7 days postoperatively, and immediate amygdala, hippocampal, entorhinal, and parahippocampal residual volumes determined using quantitative imaging postprocessing. Primary outcome was seizure freedom/Engel classification 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS Of 116 patients, 53% (n = 61) were female, with an average epilepsy duration of 21 (±14) years, average 6 failed antiepileptics (±3), and weekly seizure frequency of 5. APOS was associated with worse Engel class (P = .010), conferring 6.3 times greater odds of having no improvement vs achieving seizure freedom at 1 year. Residual amygdala, hippocampal, entorhinal, and parahippocampal volumes were not statistically significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSION APOS was associated with a lower chance of seizure freedom at 1 year post-MRgLITT for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Amygdala, hippocampal, entorhinal, and parahippocampal residual volumes after ablation were not significant prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana S Barkley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Liam T Sullivan
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alec W Gibson
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kody Zalewski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Jason K Barber
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shahin Hakimian
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew L Ko
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Ojemann
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jason S Hauptman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Kerezoudis P, Singh R, Parisi V, Worrell GA, Miller KJ, Marsh WR, Van Gompel JJ. Outcomes of epilepsy surgery in the older population: not too old, not too late. J Neurosurg 2021:1-10. [PMID: 34624847 DOI: 10.3171/2021.5.jns204211] [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: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of epilepsy in the older adult population is increasing. While surgical intervention in younger patients is supported by level I evidence, the safety and efficacy of epilepsy surgery in older individuals is less well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate seizure freedom rates and surgical outcomes in older epilepsy patients. METHODS The authors' institutional electronic database was queried for patients older than 50 who had undergone epilepsy surgery during 2002-2018. Cases were grouped into 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ years old. Seizure freedom at the last follow-up constituted the primary outcome of interest. The institutional analysis was supplemented by a literature review and meta-analysis (random effects model) of all published studies on this topic as well as by an analysis of complication rates, mortality rates, and cost data from a nationwide administrative database (Vizient Inc., years 2016-2019). RESULTS A total of 73 patients (n = 16 for 50-59 years, n = 47 for 60-69, and n = 10 for 70+) were treated at the authors' institution. The median age was 63 years, and 66% of the patients were female. At a median follow-up of 24 months, seizure freedom was 73% for the overall cohort, 63% for the 50-59 group, 77% for the 60-69 group, and 70% for the 70+ group. The literature search identified 15 additional retrospective studies (474 cases). Temporal lobectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (73%), and mesial temporal sclerosis was the most common pathology (52%), followed by nonspecific gliosis (19%). The pooled mean follow-up was 39 months (range 6-114.8 months) with a pooled seizure freedom rate of 65% (95% CI 59%-72%). On multivariable meta-regression analysis, an older mean age at surgery (coefficient [coeff] 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.1, p < 0.001) and the presence of mesial temporal sclerosis (coeff 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.6, p = 0.015) were the most important predictors of seizure freedom. Finally, analysis of the Vizient database revealed mortality rates of 0.5%, 1.1%, and 9.6%; complication rates of 7.1%, 10.1%, and 17.3%; and mean hospital costs of $31,977, $34,586, and $40,153 for patients aged 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS While seizure-free outcomes of epilepsy surgery are excellent, there is an expected increase in morbidity and mortality with increasing age. Findings in this study on the safety and efficacy of epilepsy surgery in the older population may serve as a useful guide during preoperative decision-making and patient counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohin Singh
- 2Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Veronica Parisi
- 3IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy; and
| | | | - Kai J Miller
- 1Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - W Richard Marsh
- 1Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Tyrlíková I, Hummelová Z, Goldemundová S, Koriťáková E, Nečasová T, Tyrlík M, Brázdil M, Chrastina J, Hemza J, Rektor I. Memory outcomes of temporal lobe surgery in adults aged over 45 years. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:81-91. [PMID: 33881170 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is assumed that temporal lobe resection in older people is associated with worse seizure outcomes and potential postsurgical memory decline. We studied postsurgical memory development and surgical efficacy in patients over 45 years of age compared with younger patients. METHODS We studied 88 patients (51 male and 37 female) after temporal lobe surgery, which involved hippocampal resection. The patients were evaluated before surgery and in the first (72 patients) and/or third (57 patients) postsurgical year. The Wechsler Memory Scale III test was performed to evaluate the MQ postsurgical development. Engel's classification was used to evaluate the postsurgical seizure outcome. RESULTS The presurgical MQ (median 88) in ≥45 years age group was significantly lower than in both younger groups (median MQ = 100 for ≤30 years age group, p = 0.002; median MQ = 107 for 31-44 years age group, p = 0.002). Three years after the surgery, the MQ decreased significantly in ≤30 years age group (p = 0.012), while only non-significant MQ decline was observed in both older groups. We found no significant impact of age on the surgical outcome. CONCLUSION Higher age at the time of surgery does not significantly increase the risk for postsurgical memory decline; however, older patients are more likely to have lowered presurgical MQ. We did not find significant differences in the impact of surgery on seizure outcome among the age groups. Epilepsy surgery appears to be a safe and effective method in the age over 45 years even though an earlier surgery should be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Tyrlíková
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
- Mid‐Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center Bethesda MD USA
| | - Zuzana Hummelová
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
| | - Sabina Goldemundová
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
| | - Eva Koriťáková
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Nečasová
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic
| | - Mojmír Tyrlík
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Columbian College of Arts and Sciences The George Washington University Washington DC USA
| | - Milan Brázdil
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
- Centre of Neuroscience Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic
| | - Jan Chrastina
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hemza
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rektor
- First Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery Brno Epilepsy Center St. Anne's Hospital and School of Medicine Brno Czech Republic
- Centre of Neuroscience Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic
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Resective epilepsy surgery in patients aged 50years and older - a retrospective study regarding seizure outcome, memory performance, and psychopathology. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 118:107933. [PMID: 33839451 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess clinical and demographic characteristics in two cohorts of elderly patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, undergoing resective epilepsy surgery (RES). Further, to determine seizure, neuropsychological, and mental health outcomes after RES and evaluate possible influencing factors. METHODS Consecutive patients aged ≥50 years with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent curative RES in the Hamburg epilepsy surgery program (2004-2017) were identified. Data were retrospectively analyzed. Seizure outcome was classified according to ILAE and Engel outcome scales in patients with first-time surgeries and with reoperations. Previously reported predictors of the seizure outcome were evaluated using regression analyses. Changes in verbal memory were assessed for patients with complete pre- and postoperative datasets (n=30) using repeated-measures analysis of variance. For evaluation of possible predictors of psychopathologic changes after RES a regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS Fifty-one elderly patients underwent RES of the temporal lobe, including twelve aged ≥60 years, and five with reoperations. After one year, 65% of the patients with first-time surgeries were seizure free and 91% had a favorable outcome. At last follow-up, 49% were seizure free since surgery. Three reoperated patients had an Engel I outcome. Seizure outcome was not dependent on age at surgery, duration of epilepsy, or other evaluated variables. There was no significant decline in the memory performance after surgery. Significant improvements in mental health were found. CONCLUSION RES for drug-resistant TLE is safe, effective, and improves mental health also in patients aged ≥ 50 years. Thus, it should be evaluated as the treatment of choice also in this age group.
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Reyes A, Kaestner E, Edmonds EC, Christina Macari A, Wang ZI, Drane DL, Punia V, Busch RM, Hermann BP, McDonald CR. Diagnosing cognitive disorders in older adults with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2020; 62:460-471. [PMID: 33258159 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the nature and prevalence of cognitive disorders in older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and compare their cognitive profiles to patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (ie, aMCI). METHODS Seventy-one older patients with TLE, 77 aMCI, and 69 normal aging controls (NACs), all 55-80 years of age, completed neuropsychological measures of memory, language, executive function, and processing speed. An actuarial neuropsychological method designed to diagnose MCI was applied to individual patients to identify older adults with TLE who met diagnostic criteria for MCI (TLE-MCI). A linear classifier was performed to evaluate how well the diagnostic criteria differentiated patients with TLE-MCI from aMCI. In TLE, the contribution of epilepsy-related and vascular risk factors to cognitive impairment was evaluated using multiple regression. RESULTS Forty-three TLE patients (60%) met criteria for TLE-MCI, demonstrating marked deficits in both memory and language. When patients were analyzed according to age at seizure onset, 63% of those with an early onset (<50 years) versus 56% of those with late onset (≥ 50 years) met criteria for TLE-MCI. A classification model between TLE-MCI and aMCI correctly classified 81.1% (90.6% specificity, 61.3% sensitivity) of the cohort based on neuropsychological scores. Whereas TLE-MCI showed greater deficits in language relative to aMCI, patients with aMCI showed greater rapid forgetting on memory measures. Both epilepsy-related risk factors and the presence of leukoaraiosis on MRI contributed to impairment profiles in TLE-MCI. SIGNIFICANCE Cognitive impairment is a common comorbidity in epilepsy and it presents in a substantial number of older adults with TLE. Although the underlying etiologies are unknown in many patients, the TLE-MCI phenotype may be secondary to an accumulation of epilepsy and vascular risk factors, signal the onset of a neurodegenerative disease, or represent a combination of factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Reyes
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.,San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Erik Kaestner
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Emily C Edmonds
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.,Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anna Christina Macari
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zhong Irene Wang
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel L Drane
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vineet Punia
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robyn M Busch
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carrie R McDonald
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.,San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Gómez-Ibáñez A, Garcés-Sánchez M, Hampel KG, Cano-López I, Conde-Sardón R, Gutiérrez-Martín A, Villanueva-Haba V. Epilepsy surgery beyond 50 years: Long-term seizure and cognitive outcomes. J Neurol Sci 2020; 414:116872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Epilepsy and aging. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020. [PMID: 31753149 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-804766-8.00025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The intersection of epilepsy and aging has broad, significant implications. Substantial increases in seizures occur both in the elderly population, who are at a higher risk of developing new-onset epilepsy, and in those with chronic epilepsy who become aged. There are notable gaps in our understanding of aging and epilepsy at the basic and practical levels, which have important consequences. We are in the early stages of understanding the complex relationships between epilepsy and other age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cancer. Furthermore, the clinician must recognize that the presentation and treatment of epilepsy in the elderly are different from those of younger populations. Given the developing awareness of the problem and the capabilities of contemporary, multidisciplinary approaches to advance understanding about the biology of aging and epilepsy, it is reasonable to expect that we will unravel some of the intricacies of epilepsy in the elderly; it is also reasonable to expect that these gains will lead to further improvements in our understanding and treatment of epilepsy for all age groups.
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13
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Epilepsy in the elderly: Unique challenges in an increasingly prevalent population. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106724. [PMID: 31816480 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Elderly individuals (aged at least 60 or 65 years) represent a rapidly growing segment of the population. The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy is higher in this age group than in any other. Diagnosing epilepsy in the elderly can be challenging because the causes and clinical manifestations of seizures often differ as compared with younger individuals. Particular differential diagnoses, such as syncope and amyloid spells, are commonly encountered in the elderly population. A diagnosis of epilepsy has important implications in the older adult, many of which already present a variety of concomitant complex medical problems, such as cognitive impairment, comorbid cerebrovascular disease, and frailty. The treatment of epilepsy in the elderly is complicated by a variety of factors related to aging, including physiological changes, medical comorbidities, and polypharmacy. In this narrative review, we will address the descriptive epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of epilepsy in the elderly individual.
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O'Dwyer R, Byrne R, Lynn F, Nazari P, Stoub T, Smith MC, Sani S. Age is but a number when considering epilepsy surgery in older adults. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 91:9-12. [PMID: 29997038 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A quarter of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy are older, yet they are less likely to be offered resective surgery potentially because of clinical bias that they incur increased surgical risks. There are few peer-reviewed case series that address this cohort and their outcomes. OBJECTIVE In the context of current literature, the objective of this study was to report on all epilepsy surgeries in patients aged 50 years or older from a tertiary care center over 15 years with an average follow-up period of 6 years. METHODS Patients with epilepsy who underwent surgery between 2001 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were age > 50 at surgery, availability of presurgical evaluation data, and minimum one year of follow-up data. We identified 34 patients. Seizure outcome was evaluated using the Engel classification system. RESULTS Thirty-four patients aged 50 years and older out of 276 underwent epilepsy surgery. Average age at time of surgery was 55 years, and average duration of epilepsy was 30 years. Average length of follow-up was 6 years (1-15 years). Twenty-two out of 34 patients (64%) were seizure-free (Engel class I) at their last follow-up visit. Patients with lesional pathology on neuroimaging were more likely to achieve seizure freedom (p < 0.02). Parameters associated with poorer outcome included extratemporal epileptogenic focus (p = 0.07) and bitemporal interictal epileptiform activity (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Our study cohort is one of the largest and most representative outcome studies of this age group, following the cohort for 6 years. Our findings demonstrated that when considering epilepsy surgery in an older adult, their age should not play a determining role in the decision-a finding that is more common in modern literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca O'Dwyer
- Rush Epilepsy Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Richard Byrne
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fiona Lynn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pouya Nazari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Travis Stoub
- Rush Epilepsy Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael C Smith
- Rush Epilepsy Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sepehr Sani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Lang JD, Grell L, Hagge M, Onugoren MD, Gollwitzer S, Graf W, Schwarz M, Coras R, Blümcke I, Sommer B, Rössler K, Buchfelder M, Schwab S, Stefan H, Hamer HM. Long-term outcome after epilepsy surgery in older adults. Seizure 2018; 57:56-62. [PMID: 29604610 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of epilepsy in older adults is growing, as does the incidence of comorbidities. Therefore, when it comes to epilepsy surgery in medically intractable epilepsy, age is often seen as a limiting factor. To investigate the outcome after epilepsy surgery in a population of older adults, we compared the benefit for patients aged 50-59 years with those aged 60 years and older in respect of efficacy and safety. METHOD Patients aged ≥50 years with medically intractable epilepsy who underwent epilepsy surgery from 1990 to 2013 were selected from the database of a German epilepsy center. All of them received a standardised and detailed presurgical diagnostic evaluation. Follow-up included at least four scheduled visits with EEG, MRI and neuropsychological testing. Outcome was assessed using the Engel outcome scale. RESULTS 79 patients aged between 50 and 67 years were followed-up for a median of 4.7 years (2-16 years). 68% of patients were free of disabling seizures (Engel class I, ≥60 years: 75%) and 58% were seizure-free (Engel class IA, ≥60 years: 70%). 90% of our patients suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), 9% from frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) and one occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE). After surgery, 9% discontinued or tapered their medication. Permanent surgical complications occurred in 10% of cases and transient neurological deficits were seen in 11%. Older patients had a higher risk for postoperative hygroma (≥60 years 15%; <60 years 8%) and were more prone to postoperative memory deficits (≥60 years 45%), especially after resection of the dominant temporal lobe. Verbal and figural memory testing did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The results support the view that in selected older patients, epilepsy surgery shows equal or even higher success rates as compared to younger patients. However, patients of older age may be at greater risk for postoperative hygroma and memory deficits, especially after dominant temporal lobe resections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes D Lang
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
| | - Laura Grell
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Mareike Hagge
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Müjgan Dogan Onugoren
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Gollwitzer
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Graf
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwarz
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Roland Coras
- Institute of Neuropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Ingmar Blümcke
- Institute of Neuropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Björn Sommer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Karl Rössler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwab
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Stefan
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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d’ Orio P, Pelliccia V, Gozzo F, Cardinale F, Castana L, Lo Russo G, Bottini G, Scarpa P, Cossu M. Epilepsy surgery in patients older than 50 years: Effectiveness, safety, and predictors of outcome. Seizure 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Dewar S, Eliashiv D, Walshaw PD, Engel J, Fried I, Moseley BD. Safety, efficacy, and life satisfaction following epilepsy surgery in patients aged 60 years and older. J Neurosurg 2015; 124:945-51. [PMID: 26381254 DOI: 10.3171/2015.3.jns142317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite its potential to offer seizure freedom, resective epilepsy surgery (RES) is seldom performed in patients 60 years of age or older. Demonstrating successful outcomes including an improved quality of life may raise awareness about the advantages of referring this underrepresented population for specialized evaluation. Accordingly, the authors investigated outcomes and life fulfillment in patients with an age ≥ 60 years who had undergone RES. METHODS All patients who, at the age of 60 years or older, had undergone RES for medically refractory focal onset seizures at the authors' center were evaluated. A modified Liverpool Life Fulfillment (LLF) tool was administered postoperatively (maximum score 32). Seizure outcomes were classified according to the Engel classification system. RESULTS Twelve patients underwent RES. The majority of patients (9 [75%] of 12) had at least 1 medical comorbidity in addition to seizures. The mean follow-up was 3.1 ± 2.1 years. At the time of the final follow-up, 11 (91.7%) of 12 patients were documented as having a good postsurgical outcome (Engel Class I-II). Half (6 of 12 patients) were completely seizure free (Engel Class IA). Liverpool Life Fulfillment (LLF) data were available for 11 patients. Following surgery, the mean LLF score was 26.7 ± 6. Eight patients (72.7%) noted excellent satisfaction with their RES, with 5 (45.5%) noting postoperative improvements in overall health. CONCLUSIONS Resective epilepsy surgery is safe and effective in patients with an age ≥ 60 years. Over 90% had a good surgical outcome, with 50% becoming completely seizure free despite 1 or more medical comorbidities in the majority. The study data indicated that an advancing age should not negatively influence consideration for RES.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Itzhak Fried
- Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California; and
| | - Brian D Moseley
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Ohio
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Bialek F, Rydenhag B, Flink R, Malmgren K. Outcomes after resective epilepsy surgery in patients over 50 years of age in Sweden 1990-2009--a prospective longitudinal study. Seizure 2014; 23:641-5. [PMID: 24890930 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Most epilepsy surgery candidates are young adults. Outcome reports after epilepsy surgery in patients ≥50 years are few and varying. The aim of this study was to describe patient characteristics of older compared to younger adults and analyse seizure, complication and vocational outcomes in a large population-based series. METHODS We analysed data from the Swedish National Epilepsy Surgery Register for 1990-2009 for patients ≥19 years at resective surgery who had completed two-year follow-up. Variables studied were seizure outcome, histo-pathological diagnoses, complications and vocational outcome. Data from patients ≥50 years and 19-49 years at surgery were compared. RESULTS 558 Adults underwent resective epilepsy surgery 1990-2009 and had two-year follow-up. 12% of the adults (67 patients) were ≥50 years at surgery. Patients ≥50 had longer epilepsy duration, more often had mesial sclerosis and less often had neurodevelopmental tumours and cortical malformations. The proportion of seizure-free patients at two-year follow-up did not differ between those ≥50 and 19-49 years (61% versus 61% seizure-free last year, 48% versus 43% completely seizure-free since surgery), neither did the occurrence of major complications (3% in both groups). The vocational situation was mainly stable between baseline and two-year follow-up in both groups, although older patients were less often employed than younger. CONCLUSION 12% of adults in the Swedish series were ≥50 years at epilepsy surgery. Seizure outcome was as good for older as for younger adults, and there was no difference in the occurrence of major complications. This constitutes important information in the presurgical counselling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Bialek
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Bertil Rydenhag
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Roland Flink
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Akademiska University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Malmgren
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Acharya JN, Acharya VJ. Epilepsy in the elderly: Special considerations and challenges. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2014; 17:S18-26. [PMID: 24791083 PMCID: PMC4001216 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.128645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The elderly are generally defined as those over 60 or 65 years old, but they are a heterogeneous group and may be subdivided into categories based on age and health status. The incidence of epilepsy is highest in the elderly. With a progressive increase in life expectancy, this is the fastest growing segment of patients with epilepsy. Older patients most often have focal seizures, with less prominent auras and automatisms, and longer duration of postictal confusion compared to younger patients. Status epilepticus is common and has a high mortality. The most common specific etiology is cerebrovascular disease, but the cause remains unknown in many patients. Diagnosis can be challenging because of several patient-related, physician-related and investigation-related factors. Over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis are common. Treatment is complicated by the presence of physiological changes related to aging, co-morbidities and cognitive problems as well as concerns regarding drug interactions and medication adherence. Seizures can be controlled in most patients with low doses of a single anti-epileptic drug (AED). Tolerability is an important factor in selection of an AED, as elderly patients tend to be highly sensitive to side effects. Drug-resistant epilepsy is uncommon. Epilepsy surgery, especially temporal lobectomy, can be performed in older patients with good results. More studies addressing the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy in this age group, and greater inclusion of the elderly in clinical trials, as well as development of comprehensive care models are needed to provide optimal care to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayant N. Acharya
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vinita J. Acharya
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Patra S, Elisevich K, Podell K, Schultz L, Gaddam S, Smith B, Spanaki-Varelas M. Influence of age and location of ictal onset on postoperative outcome in patients with localization-related epilepsy. Br J Neurosurg 2013; 28:61-7. [DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2013.817529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Staack AM, Wendling AS, Scholly J, Wisniewski I, Kurth C, Saar J, Mathews K, Bodin F, Fauser S, Altenmüller DM, Freiman TM, Schulze-Bonhage A, Zentner J, Reinshagen G, Steinhoff BJ. Quality control of elective surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy in a German reference centre—A long-term outcome study. Seizure 2013; 22:292-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Temporal lobe epilepsy in the elderly. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2012:641323. [PMID: 22957236 PMCID: PMC3420781 DOI: 10.1155/2012/641323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of epilepsy has bimodal distribution peaking at the extremes of life. Incidence is greater in younger and older age groups (Hauser et al., 1993, Sidenvall et al., 1993, Forsgren et al., 1996, and Olafsson et al., 2005). As the world population ages more elders with epilepsy will be identified. In the high-income countries with longer life expectancy, the number of elders with epilepsy will be even higher. CPSs account for 40% of all seizure types in the elderly (Hauser et al., 1992); however, the proportion with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is uncertain.
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Roberson ED, Hope OA, Martin RC, Schmidt D. Geriatric epilepsy: research and clinical directions for the future. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:103-11. [PMID: 21596624 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing awareness of the need for improved treatment and care of older adults with epilepsy. The present review article highlights key clinical and research issues in the emerging field of geriatric epilepsy. Drs. Martin and Schmidt explore the scope of the problems in the field, outline topic areas including cognitive health/dementia, and diagnostic challenges, and also present important research questions that should be considered for the future. As part of this presentation, we will highlight the work of two promising young investigators whose work holds great promise for the field of geriatric epilepsy. Dr. Roberson will discuss his work focusing on the relationship of epilepsy and cognitive impairment, particularly as it relates to Alzheimer's disease pathology including tau and its role in epileptiform activity. Dr. Hope will outline key issues, as well as her work, relating to defining and measuring quality care in geriatric epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Roberson
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Srikijvilaikul T, Lerdlum S, Tepmongkol S, Shuangshoti S, Locharernkul C. Outcome of temporal lobectomy for hippocampal sclerosis in older patients. Seizure 2011; 20:276-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2010.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 12/04/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Murphy M, Smith PD, Wood M, Bowden S, O’Brien TJ, Bulluss KJ, Cook MJ. Surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy associated with mesial temporal sclerosis in the older patient: A long-term follow-up. Epilepsia 2010; 51:1024-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02430.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Outcome of epilepsy surgery in patients investigated with subdural electrodes. Epilepsy Res 2009; 85:235-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2009.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Revised: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Consideration of epilepsy surgery in adults should be independent of age. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2008; 111:240-5. [PMID: 19028008 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2008.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2008] [Revised: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epilepsy surgery is performed less frequently in persons over 45 years of age than in younger individuals, probably reflecting biases among patients, referring physicians and neurologists. METHODS We report on a clinically heterogeneous cohort of patients aged 45 years or older who underwent epilepsy surgery for medically intractable epilepsy. RESULTS Over a 15-year period, 42 patients with a mean duration of epilepsy of 27.3 years underwent elective surgery. The mean follow-up period was 48 months. Thirty-two patients had an Engel class I outcome, of which 23 were totally seizure-free (Ia). Six patients had a class II outcome (rare disabling seizures), one had a class III outcome (worthwhile improvement), and three had a class IV outcome (no worthwhile improvement). The majority of patients reported an improved quality of life and satisfaction with the epilepsy surgery. A subjective improvement in cognition was reported in 7 patients while a decline was reported in 10 patients. New neuropsychiatric difficulties were reported in three patients while three patients reported improved anxiety after surgery. Only one patient became newly employed after surgery while 23 returned to driving. Permanent complications occurred in four patients (thalamic infarct during a Wada test (n=1) and asymptomatic visual field defect (n=3)). CONCLUSIONS We report a favorable outcome from epilepsy surgery in a large series of older adults and conclude that age per se is not a contraindication to epilepsy surgery. We emphasize the lack of correlation between outcome from surgery and pre-operative duration of epilepsy.
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Acosta I, Vale F, Tatum WO, Benbadis SR. Epilepsy surgery after age 60. Epilepsy Behav 2008; 12:324-5. [PMID: 18035593 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Revised: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Data from seven patients 60 years of age and older who underwent temporal lobectomy were reviewed. Outcome was comparable to younger patients. Despite the small number of patients and retrospective nature of the study, the data support the efficacy and safety of temporal lobectomy in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Acosta
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of South Florida/Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
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Abstract
Why is it important to learn about epilepsy in the elderly? The answers are many. As this article has highlighted, compared with younger individuals epilepsy is more common and the causes are more structural and symptomatic than in younger patients (particularly stroke). The clinical presentation is different in the elderly. The diagnosis is more difficult and often delayed. The most common seizures are simple partial and complex partial seizures, which are more often extratemporal in location. Confusion and memory problems are common presenting symptoms and postictal deficits often are prolonged. The prognosis for epilepsy in the elderly generally is favorable for seizure control, but if untreated, depression and quality of life suffer and seizures frequently recur. Seizures respond well at lower serum concentrations of antiepileptic drugs but these patients are also more sensitive (less tolerant) to side effects at lower doses than younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy S Collins
- Department of Neurology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/Chicago Medical School, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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Grivas A, Schramm J, Kral T, von Lehe M, Helmstaedter C, Elger CE, Clusmann H. Surgical Treatment for Refractory Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in the Elderly: Seizure Outcome and Neuropsychological Sequels Compared with a Younger Cohort. Epilepsia 2006; 47:1364-72. [PMID: 16922883 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00608.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgical treatment of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is promising for selected patients, but only little experience has been acquired in operating on older patients, especially with limited resections. We intend to delineate clinical and surgical factors influencing outcome in patients older than 50 years at operation and to compare the results with those of a younger patient cohort. METHODS Fifty-two patients older than 50 years were operated on for intractable mesial or combined mesiolateral TLE between 1991 and 2002. The mean age at operation was 55 years, and the mean duration of epilepsy was 33 years. Forty selective amygdalohippocampectomies (33 for hippocampal sclerosis, seven for removal of a mesiotemporal lesion), five lateral temporal lesionectomies plus amygdalohippocampectomy, and seven anterior temporal lobectomies were performed. Eleven (21%) patients had undergone invasive presurgical video-EEG monitoring. The mean follow-up period was 33 months. We compared the results with those of a younger cohort operated on in the same time period. RESULTS Thirty-seven older patients attained complete seizure control (71% class I), and 10 patients had only rare postoperative seizures (19% class II). Four patients improved >75% (8% class III), and one patient did not improve (2% class IV). The same rate of seizure control was attained by 11 patients older than 60 years at surgery. These results were not significantly different from those in a younger patient group. A trend toward better seizure control was noted in 16 patients with an epilepsy duration of <30 years (all class I or II), and in 20 patients with a seizure frequency of fewer than five seizures per month (all class I or II). No mortality resulted from a total of 65 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A 3.8% permanent neurologic morbidity (dysphasia and hemiparesis) was noted. Hemianopia occurred in three (5.9%) patients. Neuropsychological testing revealed low preoperative performances and some gradual further deterioration after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Results of surgery for TLE with mainly limited resections are promising in patients older than 50 years and older 60 years, despite the long seizure history. As expected, the risk of complications is somewhat higher compared with that in a younger control group. The impact of low neuropsychological performance is a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Grivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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Schwartz TH, Jeha L, Tanner A, Bingaman W, Sperling MR. Late seizures in patients initially seizure free after epilepsy surgery. Epilepsia 2006; 47:567-73. [PMID: 16529623 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgery for medically intractable epilepsy is currently the most effective means of achieving seizure control. Although relatively few long-term outcome studies have been performed, evidence is mounting that the possibility of late seizure recurrence exists, even after an early seizure-free period. No published reports document the rate and predictors of late recurrence in a large series of patients undergoing surgery in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) era. METHODS We retrospectively queried the databases of two epilepsy surgery centers. Patients eligible for study had preoperative MRI scans, were seizure free for 1 year after surgery, and had a minimal follow-up period of 3 years. Patients with tumors or vascular lesions were excluded. We performed log-rank comparison of Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates for categoric variables and used a Cox proportional hazards model for continuous variables. Variables that were significant (p<0.05) on a univariate screen were entered into a multivariate forward step-wise Cox regression. RESULTS The study included 285 patients, 254 with medial temporal lobe (MTLE) and 31 with neocortical epilepsy. The probability of having a single seizure after being seizure free for 1 year was 18.3% at 5 years and 32.7% at 10 years. However, only 13% were not seizure free at the last follow-up. Predictors of late recurrences on both uni- and multivariate analysis were the presence of preoperative generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures in patients with neocortical epilepsy and late age at surgery in patients with MTLE. MRI results and location of surgery were not predictive. CONCLUSIONS Although the risk of at least one recurrent seizure after initially successful epilepsy surgery is relatively high, the rate of recurrent intractability is low. The finding that late age at surgery and presence of preoperative GTC seizures are predictors of late recurrence indicates the importance of patient selection and early surgery for persistent seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore H Schwartz
- Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Téllez-Zenteno JF, Dhar R, Wiebe S. Long-term seizure outcomes following epilepsy surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain 2005. [DOI: 10.110.1093/brain/awh449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Téllez-Zenteno JF, Dhar R, Wiebe S. Long-term seizure outcomes following epilepsy surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain 2005; 128:1188-98. [PMID: 15758038 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awh449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 708] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of long-term outcomes is essential in brain surgery for epilepsy, which is an irreversible intervention for a chronic condition. Excellent short-term results of resective epilepsy surgery have been established, but less is known about long-term outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence on this topic. To provide evidence-based estimates of long-term results of various types of epilepsy surgery and to identify sources of variation in results of published studies, we searched Medline, Index Medicus, the Cochrane database, bibliographies of reviews, original articles and book chapters to identify articles published since 1991 that contained > or =20 patients of any age, undergoing resective or non-resective epilepsy surgery, and followed for a mean/median of > or =5 years. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data, resolving disagreements through discussion. Seventy-six articles fulfilled our eligibility criteria, of which 71 reported on resective surgery (93%) and five (7%) on non-resective surgery. There were no randomized trials and only six studies had a control group. Some articles contributed more than one study, yielding 83 studies of which 78 dealt with resective surgery and five with non-resective surgery. Forty studies (51%) of resective surgery referred to temporal lobe surgery, 25 (32%) to grouped temporal and extratemporal surgery, seven (9%) to frontal surgery, two (3%) to grouped extratemporal surgery, two (3%) to hemispherectomy, and one (1%) each to parietal and occipital surgery. In the non-resective category, three studies reported outcomes after callosotomy and two after multiple subpial transections. The median proportion of long-term seizure-free patients was 66% with temporal lobe resections, 46% with occipital and parietal resections, and 27% with frontal lobe resections. In the long term, only 35% of patients with callosotomy were free of most disabling seizures, and 16% with multiple subpial transections remained free of all seizures. The year of operation, duration of follow-up and outcome classification system were most strongly associated with outcomes. Almost all long-term outcome studies describe patient cohorts without controls. Although there is substantial variation in outcome definition and methodology among the studies, consistent patterns of results emerge for various surgical interventions after adjusting for sources of heterogeneity. The long-term (> or =5 years) seizure free rate following temporal lobe resective surgery was similar to that reported in short-term controlled studies. On the other hand, long-term seizure freedom was consistently lower after extratemporal surgery and palliative procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F Téllez-Zenteno
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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Indications et risques des techniques neuro-chirurgicales chez l’adulte présentant une épilepsie partielle pharmaco-résistante (radio-chirurgie comprise). Rev Neurol (Paris) 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0035-3787(04)71199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Immonen A, Jutila L, Kälviäinen R, Mervaala E, Partanen K, Partanen J, Vanninen R, Ylinen A, Alafuzoff I, Paljärvi L, Hurskainen H, Rinne J, Puranen M, Vapalahti M. Preoperative clinical evaluation, outline of surgical technique and outcome in temporal lobe epilepsy. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2004; 29:87-132. [PMID: 15035337 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0558-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of refractory epilepsy. The mechanisms of epileptogenesis and seizure semiology of the mesial and neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy are discussed. The evaluation and selection of patients for TLE surgery requires team work: the different clinical aspects of neuropsychological evaluation, magnetic resonance and functional imaging (positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography and magnetoenephalography) are reviewed. In our programme of epilepsy surgery at Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, we have performed 230 temporal resections from 1988 until 2002. Preoperative diagnostic EEG-videotelemetry often required intracranial monitoring and it has proved to be safe and efficient. The indications and technique for tailored temporal lobe resection with amygdalohippocampectomy used in our institution, as well as the complications, are described. Our analysis of outcome after temporal lobe surgery included 140 consecutive adult patients between 1988 and 1999; one year after the operation in unilateral TLE the Engel I-II outcome was observed in 68% of the patients. Outcome of surgery improved significantly after introduction of the standardised MR imaging protocol from 1993; 74% of patients with unilateral TLE achieved Engel I-II outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Immonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic diseases that affect the elderly population. Underlying etiologies as well as diagnostic and treatment issues vary from that of younger adults and deserve special consideration. REVIEW SUMMARY The substantially increased risk of seizures and epilepsy in the elderly is associated with medical conditions that affect this group such as stroke, dementia, and metabolic disturbances. In addition, there is an increased incidence and associated mortality of status epilepticus among seniors. Distinguishing epilepsy from paroxysmal nonepileptic events can be a particular challenge. As in the general adult population, EEG and MRI are the cornerstones of diagnostic assessment; however, the clinician must be aware of nonspecific changes associated with aging that do not necessarily indicate an underlying predisposition for epilepsy. Finally, there are unique challenges to the treatment of epilepsy in this population, but fortunately there are multiple treatment options available, including nonpharmacological therapies. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the unique challenges in identifying and treating the elderly patient with epilepsy is important for effective management as well as maximizing quality of life. However, further studies in this area are still needed to establish optimal treatment strategies.
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Krauss GL, Ritzl EK. Identifying and treating clinical subgroups of patients with epilepsy: a case review. Med Clin North Am 2003; 87:725-46, viii. [PMID: 12812410 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7125(03)00010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article uses case reviews to illustrate key clinical features of several important epilepsy subgroups: newly diagnosed patients with epilepsy, women of childbearing age with seizures, elderly patients who develop epilepsy, patients with developmental disabilities, and patients with medication-resistant epilepsy. Characteristic clinical features for these patients (seizure types, ages of seizure onset, and treatment responses) guide clinical evaluation, treatment selections, and monitoring for medication side effects and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Krauss
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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