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Effect of corticosteroids in a twin child with idiopathic localization-related epilepsy

Ayako Sofue1, Misako Naiki, Taro Yokotsuka

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya Memorial Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi 468-8520, Japan. ayasofue@hospy.or.jp

Brain & Development
|September 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Corticosteroids demonstrated an antiepileptic effect in a child with idiopathic localization-related epilepsy (I-LRE). Treatment for nephropathy led to the disappearance of seizures and EEG abnormalities, suggesting a new therapeutic role for corticosteroids.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Corticosteroids are typically reserved for specific epileptic syndromes or encephalopathies.
  • Idiopathic localization-related epilepsy (I-LRE) presents with focal seizures and EEG abnormalities.

Observation:

  • A child with I-LRE and IgA nephropathy received corticosteroid treatment (intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisolone).
  • Following treatment, the patient experienced a complete resolution of seizures and epileptiform discharges on EEG.
  • Her twin sister, also with I-LRE but untreated with corticosteroids, continued to have seizures and EEG abnormalities.

Findings:

  • Corticosteroid administration correlated with the cessation of seizures and normalization of EEG findings in the patient.
  • Seizure relapse and EEG abnormalities recurred upon reduction of the corticosteroid dosage, indicating a direct effect.
  • The patient's twin sister, serving as a control, did not show similar improvement without corticosteroid intervention.

Implications:

  • Corticosteroids may possess efficacy in managing seizures and EEG abnormalities in I-LRE, even in the absence of epileptic encephalopathies.
  • This finding suggests a potential broader application of corticosteroids in epilepsy treatment beyond established indications.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and confirm the therapeutic potential of corticosteroids for I-LRE.

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