Therapeutic Challenge in a Case of Recent Onset Refractory Cluster Seizures

Sachin Sureshbabu1, Muralikrishnan Veleri Padmanabhan1, Jacob Alappat1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Aster Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Kozhikode, India.

Insights

Early surgical resection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is effective for intractable epilepsy. This case report shows a 4-year-old seizure-free after FCD removal.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) can cause severe epilepsy, posing treatment challenges.
  • Determining optimal surgical timing for FCD-related seizures is critical.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl presented with explosive onset, drug-refractory cluster seizures.
  • Clinical, EEG, neuroimaging, and PET findings localized the dysplasia to the left middle frontal gyrus.

Findings:

  • Surgical resection of the FCD under electrocorticographic guidance was successful.
  • The patient achieved complete seizure freedom (Engel Class 1) at 2-month follow-up.

Implications:

  • This case suggests early surgical intervention for FCD may yield better outcomes.
  • Prompt surgical management could be a viable strategy for pediatric epilepsy due to FCD.

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