International Journal of Epilepsy
Self-Limited Epilepsy with Autonomic Seizures (SeLEAS): A Retrospective Case Series
2023-04-24
International Journal of Epilepsy
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-57246
Objective Self-Limited Epilepsy with Autonomic Seizures (SeLEAS), previously known by the eponymous Panayiotopoulos syndrome, is a benign focal epilepsy of the pediatric age group. It is characterized by nocturnal seizures with dominant autonomic features. Limited data from India exists on SeLEAS. We aimed to describe the clinical, demographic, and treatment-related features of SeLEAS.
Methods In this descriptive retrospective cohort study, we reviewed record of children who met criteria for SeLEAS. Each patient's clinical, demographic, electroencephalographic, neuroimaging, and treatment details were reviewed. Response to antiseizure medications was also recorded.
Results Twenty-three children with SeLEAS were enrolled (males = 18; 78.2%). Median age at onset was 4 (interquartile range: 2.5–10) years and median age at presentation was 6 (2.5–11) years. Focal seizures were observed in 65.2% (n = 15) and 30% (n = 7) had history of status epilepticus. Ictal/postictal emesis was observed in all patients. Occipital spikes on electroencephalography were seen in 78% (n = 17). Four children had poor scholastic performance. Most (70%) of patients were well controlled on monotherapy, even with older antiseizure medications.
Conclusion This cohort shows the spectrum of clinical heterogeneity associated with SeLEAS. Although considered benign, occurrence of status epilepticus and poor scholastic performance among some of our patients suggests that some caution may be appropriate while prognosticating such patients. Seizures were well controlled with monotherapy.
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Fonte: International Journal of Epilepsy, Anand, Aakanksha
Reassures Me There Are People Around Who Care about Me: Analyzing Meanings of Support for People with Epilepsy
2023-04-10
International Journal of Epilepsy
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764396
Aims The study aimed to examine the nature and outcomes of social support for the well-being and quality of life (QoL) of adults with epilepsy.
Methods The Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Survey's 5th Wave included the Medical Outcomes Study Modified Social Support Survey on four dimensions of social support and the QOLIE-31. Both numerical data and open-ended responses were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. A mixed method was used where quantitative analysis used t-tests, analysis of variance and block recursive regression, and qualitative analysis identified themes.
Results Three-hundred thirty-two people with epilepsy (PWE) participated. The quantitative component showed that for emotional/informational support being older and living alone were key factors. These as well as household income were important in tangible support. For affectionate support living alone and household income were factors, but only income was a factor for positive social interaction. In addition, only positive social interaction predicted increased QoL. In the qualitative component of the study both positive and negative supports were identified for the emotional/informational supports. Many reported the benefits of having information, although some reported failure to have their needs taken seriously by health professionals or epilepsy associations. Inability to drive was an important feature of negative tangible support as was finding some assistive services unaffordable. Reports of positive social interaction identified being accepted as a person with epilepsy that is the primary concern. Peer support plays a role here.
Discussion The findings of factors affecting the four dimensions of support in this study have supported a number of studies. This includes the effects of positive social interaction on QoL. The qualitative analysis supports these results, but it also contributes to deeper understanding of support in the lives of PWE.
Conclusion Social support is a particularly important issue for PWE. The results of this study demonstrate the complexities and benefits of obtaining the appropriate forms of support. This survey took place before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and it may well be that this phenomenon affects PWE's support needs.
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Fonte: International Journal of Epilepsy, Walker, Christine
Extreme Sleep Spindles in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related Disorders—A Case Series
2023-04-10
International Journal of Epilepsy
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764397
Extreme sleep spindles have fast activity and high amplitude, unlike normal sleep spindles. We report a case series of six children with autism and related disorders who had extreme spindles as noted on the sleep electroencephalogram recording at our center. We examine the types of extreme spindles, describe the clinical profiles of the 6 children, and discuss similar clinical and neurophysiological conditions.
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Fonte: International Journal of Epilepsy, Kaku, Sowmyashree Mayur
Epilepsy Diagnosis Delay in a Tertiary Hospital Center: What Facts, for What Reasons?
2023-02-09
International Journal of Epilepsy
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761630
Objectives Epilepsy remains a public health problem in developing countries, especially in Morocco. This prospective study was performed to expose new data about the time required to diagnose epilepsy in a tertiary hospital center and the main reasons behind its delay.
Methods From January 2018 to December 2019, time from first seizure to diagnosis was acquired from 300 patients using face-to-face interview with pre-established sheet at the neurology department in tertiary hospital center (Marrakech, Morocco).
Results Of the 300 patients, the mean epilepsy diagnosis delay was about 5 years, ranging from 1 month to over 40 years, with an 18 months difference between urban and rural habitation. About 36.4% had a delayed diagnosis of 1 year, 34% delayed by more than 5 years, and 26% delayed above 10 years. The main type of seizures was focal, mainly affecting young male patients. Rural habitation and seizure type impact significantly the delay of diagnosis.
Conclusion This study revealed considerable epilepsy diagnosis delay with a statistically significant impact of rural habitation and seizure type. New and efficient strategies are needed to be developed to reduce the delay in epilepsy diagnosis and improve epilepsy care.
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Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd. A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India
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Fonte: International Journal of Epilepsy, Naji, Yahya