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Olfactory auras in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Chien Chen1, Yang-Hsin Shih, Der-Jen Yen
1Department of Neurology, The Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Epilepsia
|February 1, 2003
Summary
Olfactory auras are uncommon in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Mesial temporal sclerosis is the most frequent cause, and these auras may originate in the amygdala.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epilepsy Research
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common neurological disorder.
- Olfactory auras are sensory seizures involving smell, which can be a symptom of TLE.
- Understanding the characteristics and origins of olfactory auras is crucial for TLE management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of olfactory auras in patients with TLE.
- To identify potential underlying causes and brain structures involved in olfactory auras.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 217 Chinese patients with medically intractable TLE who underwent temporal lobectomy.
- Detailed characterization of olfactory auras from patients who reported them.
- Analysis of neuroimaging and histopathological findings.
Main Results:
- Olfactory auras were reported by 5.5% (12/217) of patients, predominantly unpleasant.
- Commonly associated symptoms included epigastric rising, nausea, and fear; gustatory hallucinations were rare.
- Mesial temporal structures, including the amygdala, were frequently involved in structural lesions; mesial temporal sclerosis was the most common diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory auras are infrequent in TLE.
- Mesial temporal sclerosis is a more common etiology than tumors in this cohort.
- The mesial temporal structures, particularly the amygdala, are likely implicated in the generation of olfactory auras.