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Area-selective stimulus-provoked seizures in post-anoxic coma.
S D Gatzonis1, C Zournas, A Michalopoulos
1Department of Neurology, Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Greece. sgatzon@cc.uoa.gr
Seizure
|July 24, 2001
Summary
A rare case of stimulus-provoked hemiconvulsive seizures occurred in a patient with severe brain damage after cardiac arrest. These seizures were triggered by light tactile stimuli to the trigeminal nerve area.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- A 70-year-old patient experienced hemiconvulsive seizures following cardiac arrest, metabolic derangement, multiple strokes, and post-anoxic coma.
- The patient presented with complex neurological deficits secondary to severe brain injury.
Observation:
- Hemiconvulsive seizures were observed to be provoked by specific stimuli.
- Light tactile stimulation of the left trigeminal nerve area consistently triggered seizures.
- Occasional strong tapping on the right trigeminal nerve area also elicited seizures.
Findings:
- The study utilized clinical evaluation, electroencephalography (EEG), and computed tomography (CT) brain scans.
- Findings indicated a rare presentation of stimulus-provoked seizures in the context of diffuse and severe brain damage.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual reflex epilepsy manifestation.
- The findings suggest that severe brain injury can lead to aberrant sensory processing and seizure generation.
- Understanding these triggers is crucial for managing refractory epilepsy in severely brain-injured patients.