Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

[Seizures during interferon alpha therapy: three cases in dermatology]

E Legroux-Crespel1, S Lafaye, E Mahé

  • 1Service de Dermatologie, Groupe Hospitalier Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris.

Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|April 3, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Interferon alpha, used for mycosis fungoides and melanoma, can cause seizures. Dermatologists should be aware of this rare side effect and assess patients for epilepsy risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Interferon alpha is a treatment for various conditions, including mycosis fungoides and melanoma.
  • Seizures are a known but not widely recognized side effect of interferon alpha therapy.
  • Dermatologists may not be fully aware of the risk of seizures associated with interferon alpha.

Observation:

  • Three male patients treated with interferon alpha for mycosis fungoides and melanoma developed seizures.
  • Seizures occurred after 3 weeks to 11 months of treatment.
  • No prior history of epilepsy was noted in these patients.

Findings:

  • Medical assessments, including brain CT and biological results, suggested interferon alpha as the cause of seizures.
  • Discontinuation of interferon alpha led to no seizure recurrence in the observed follow-up periods (3 months to 1 year).

Implications:

  • Interferon alpha may lower the epileptogenic threshold, potentially through central nervous system effects.
  • Physicians prescribing interferon alpha must inquire about epilepsy history and risk factors.
  • Patients should be informed about the potential risk of seizures, a rare but significant side effect.

Related Concept Videos

Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: 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 ll: Types01:19

Seizures 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...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy 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...
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures 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,...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...