[Electroclinical and neuroimaging studies in epilepsy]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Epileptology

Context:

• Investigated electro-clinical and neuroimaging features in 207 outpatients with active epilepsy over 54 months.
• Utilized patient interviews, medical record reviews, electroencephalography (EEG), and neuroimaging (NI) for comprehensive data collection.
• Employed chi-squared test for statistical analysis of crude proportions.

Purpose:

• To explore the relationship between electro-clinical and neuroimaging characteristics and seizure frequency outcomes in epilepsy patients.
• To identify factors associated with polytherapy and persistent seizures.
• To assess the effectiveness of treatments in achieving seizure freedom or improvement.

Summary:

• Partial seizures were significantly linked to higher initial seizure frequency and polytherapy, and focal EEG distribution in complex partial seizures.
• Abnormal neuroimaging was more prevalent in older patients.
• Polytherapy was associated with high seizure onset frequency, focal EEG, long epilepsy duration, and younger age of onset.
• 37.2% of patients were seizure-free in the last year, and 34% showed at least 50% improvement.
• Persistent seizures were linked to high onset seizure frequency, partial seizures, female gender, and polytherapy.

Impact:

• Provides insights into prognostic indicators for epilepsy management.
• Highlights the importance of neuroimaging and EEG in understanding epilepsy subtypes.
• Informs clinical decision-making regarding polytherapy and treatment strategies for improved seizure control.
• Contributes to the understanding of epilepsy's long-term course and treatment outcomes.