Idiopathic generalized epilepsy presenting with hemiconvulsive seizures
M A Kiley1, S J Smith, J W Sander
1National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
Epilepsia
|December 13, 2000
Summary
Idiopathic generalized epilepsy can present as hemiconvulsive seizures, challenging typical diagnoses. Effective treatment involves sodium valproate or a combination of sodium valproate and lamotrigine, leading to seizure freedom.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Unilateral seizures, or hemiconvulsive attacks, involve motor seizures affecting only one side of the body.
- These seizures are typically associated with partial epilepsy.
Observation:
- Three adolescents presented with hemiconvulsive seizures and generalized spike-and-wave discharges on EEG.
- Neuroimaging studies were normal in all patients.
- Previous treatment with carbamazepine showed limited efficacy.
Findings:
- All patients achieved seizure freedom with sodium valproate or a combination of sodium valproate and lamotrigine.
- The electroclinical diagnosis was determined to be idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Implications:
- This presentation of idiopathic generalized epilepsy with hemiconvulsive seizures is novel.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment, distinguishing it from partial epilepsy.
- Understanding the mechanism of hemiconvulsive seizures in idiopathic generalized epilepsy is important.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.