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Published on: August 5, 2014
Hyperfamiliarity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Jana Amlerova1, Andrea E Cavanna, Ondrej Bradac
1Department of Neurology, Charles University in Prague, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|May 15, 2012
Summary
Hyperfamiliarity, a feeling of unusual familiarity with unfamiliar faces, is more common in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. This facial recognition deficit was particularly noted in those with right-sided TLE.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hyperfamiliarity is a paramnesia linked to frontal and temporal lobe issues.
- Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) involves neurological dysfunction in the temporal lobes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hyperfamiliarity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
- To assess facial recognition abilities in TLE patients, differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar faces.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 61 pharmacoresistant TLE patients (33 right-sided, 28 left-sided) and 16 controls.
- Assessed recognition of familiar and unfamiliar faces and familiar face naming.
Main Results:
- Familiar face recognition was comparable between TLE patients and controls.
- Left-sided TLE patients had reduced familiar face naming.
- Hyperfamiliarity was significantly more prevalent in TLE patients than controls.
- Right-sided TLE patients specifically exhibited hyperfamiliarity.
- Right-sided TLE patients showed greater overall impairment than left-sided TLE patients.
Conclusions:
- Hyperfamiliarity may be a common symptom in treatment-refractory TLE.
- Right-sided TLE is associated with a higher incidence of hyperfamiliarity and facial recognition deficits.
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