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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:32
Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Published on: December 18, 2016
Evidence supporting the temporal lobe epilepsy personality syndrome
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Tennessee Medical School, Memphis 38105, USA.
Neurology
|September 25, 1999
Summary
Patients with chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy may experience personality changes, including increased emotionality and a serious demeanor. Some also show decreased sexual interest and develop intermittent irritable moods.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Epilepsy
Background:
- Chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is associated with complex neurological and psychological manifestations.
- Clinicians have observed distinct personality changes in some MTLE patients, differing from general population changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the specific personality changes observed in patients with chronic MTLE.
- To identify associated symptoms such as decreased sexual interest and interictal dysphoric disorder.
- To evaluate the adequacy of the Bear-Fedio Inventory for assessing these changes.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and description of personality changes in chronic MTLE patients.
- Assessment of associated behavioral and emotional symptoms.
- Evaluation of the Bear-Fedio Inventory's utility.
Main Results:
- Observed personality changes include deepened emotionality, increased seriousness, ethical and spiritual demeanor, and behavioral viscosity.
- Some patients exhibit decreased sexual interest and arousal.
- Intermittent symptoms of interictal dysphoric disorder, marked by irritable moods and remorse, were noted.
Conclusions:
- The observed personality changes in chronic MTLE are distinct and subtle in most cases.
- The Bear-Fedio Inventory requires modification to effectively assess these specific personality alterations and dysphoric symptoms.
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