Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
09:32
Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Published on: December 18, 2016
Postictal psychosis in temporal lobe epilepsy: a case-control study.
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria, Austria. eva.hilger@meduniwien.ac.at
European Journal of Neurology
|May 14, 2013
Summary
Postictal psychosis (PP) affects 7% of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. Ictal fear and bilateral EEG activity predict PP development, highlighting functional brain disturbances over structural ones.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Postictal psychosis (PP) is a recognized complication in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
- Understanding the prevalence and predictors of PP is crucial for patient management and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of postictal psychosis (PP) in patients diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
- To identify clinical, electroencephalographic (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables that predict the development of PP in TLE patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 684 TLE patients undergoing video-EEG monitoring.
- Comparison of 48 TLE patients with PP history against 200 TLE controls without psychosis.
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, EEG, and MRI data for predictive factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of PP in the TLE sample was 7.0%.
- Significant associations with PP included early epilepsy onset, longer epilepsy duration, ictal fear, impaired intellectual function, and bilateral EEG abnormalities.
- Logistic regression identified ictal fear (OR 2.88) and bilateral interictal EEG activity (OR 6.40) as significant predictors of PP.
Conclusions:
- Postictal psychosis is a frequent and potentially serious complication of TLE.
- Bilateral or widespread functional central nervous system disturbances, rather than specific structural lesions or etiologies, are risk factors for PP.
- Ictal fear emerges as a key clinical predictor for PP in TLE patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Seizures 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,...
01:13Seizures: 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 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:
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
01:24Epilepsy 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...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:19Seizures 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...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...