ObjectiveConstructing a prediction model for seizures after stroke, and exploring the risk factors that lead to seizures after stroke. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 741 patients with stroke admitted to People's Hospital of Zhongjiang from July 2020 to September 2022 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients were followed up for one year after the occurrence of stroke to observe whether they experienced seizures. Patient data such as gender, age, diagnosis, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Activity of daily living (ADL) score, laboratory tests, and imaging examination data were recorded. Taking the occurrence of seizures as the outcome, an analysis was conducted on the above data. The Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to screen predictive variables, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed. Subsequently, the data were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Construct prediction model, calculate the C-index, draw nomogram, calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the model's performance and clinical application value. ResultsThrough LASSO regression, nine non-zero coefficient predictive variables were identified: NIHSS score, homocysteine (Hcy), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), platelet count, hyperuricemia, hyponatremia, frontal lobe lesions, temporal lobe lesions, and pons lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NIHSS score, Hcy, hyperuricemia, hyponatremia, and pons lesions were positively correlated with seizures after stroke, while AST and platelet count were negatively correlated with seizures after stroke. A nomogram for predicting seizures after stroke was established. The C-index of the training set and validation set were 0.854 [95%CI (0.841, 0.947)] and 0.838 [95%CI (0.800, 0.988)], respectively. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.842 [95%CI (0.777, 0.899)] and 0.829 [95%CI (0.694, 0.936)] respectively. Conclusion These nine variables can be used to predict seizures after stroke, and they provide new insights into its risk factors.
ObjectiveTo explore the prognostic value of normal 24 hour video electroencephalography (VEEG) with different frequency on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) withdrawal in cryptogenic epilepsy patients with three years seizure-free. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in the Neurology outpatient and the Epilepsy Center of Xi Jing Hospital. The subject who had been seizure free more than 3 years were divided into continual normal twice group and once group according to the nomal frequence of 24 hour VEEG before discontinuation from January 2013 to December 2014, and then followed up to replase or to December 2015. The recurrence and cumulative recurrence rate of the two group after withdrawal AEDs were compared with chi-square or Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier survival curve. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis to identify the risk factors for seizure recurrence after univariate analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered significant, and all P values were two-tailed. Results95 epilepsy patients with cause unknown between 9 to 45 years old were recruited (63 in normal twice group and 32 in normal once group). The cumulated recurrence rates in continual two normal VEEG group vs one normal VEEG group were 4.8% vs 21.9% (P=0.028), 4.8% vs 25% (P=0.006) and 7.9% vs 25%(P=0.03) at 18 months, 24 months and endpoint following AEDs withdrawal and there was statistically difference between the two groups. Factors associated with increased risk were adolescent onset epilepsy (HR=2.404), history of withdrawal recurrence (HR=7.186) and abnormal VEEG (epileptic-form discharge) (HR=8.222) during or after withdrawal AEDs. The recurrence rate of each group in which abnormal VEEG vs unchanged VEEG during or after withdrawal AEDs was respectively 100% vs 4.92% (P=0.005), 80% vs 19.23%(P=0.009). ConclusionsContinual normal 24h VEEG twice before withdrawal AEDs had higher predicting value of seizure recurrence and it could guide physicians to make the withdrawal decision. Epileptic patients with adolescent onset epilepsy, history of seizure recurrence and abnormal VEEG (epileptic-form discharge) during or after withdrawal AEDs had high risk of replase, especially patients with the presence of VEEG abnormalities is associated with a high probability of seizures occurring. Discontinuate AEDs should be cautious.
Intracranial electrographic recording, especially stereoencephalography (SEEG), remains the gold standard for preoperative localization in epilepsy patients. However, this method is invasive and has low spatial resolution. In 1982, magnetoencephalography (MEG) began to be used in epilepsy clinics. MEG is not affected by the skull and scalp, can provide signals with high temporal and spatial resolution, and can be used to determine the epiletogensis zone (EZ) and the seizure onset zone (SOZ). Magnetic source imaging (MSI) is a method that superimposes the MEG data on a magnetic resonance image (MRI) and has become a major tool for presurgical localization. The applicability of MEG data has been largely improved by the development of many post-MRI processing methods in the last 20 years. In terms of the sensitivity of localization, MEG is superior to VEEG, MRI, PET and SPECT, despite inferiority to SEEG. MEG can also assist in the intracranial placement of electrodes and improve preoperative planning. Limitations of MEG include high cost, insensitivity to radiation source, and difficulty in locating deep EZ in the medial regions of the brain. These limitations could be overcome by new generations of equipment and improvement of algorithmics.
ObjectiveExploring the influencing factors of acute phase (≤ 21 days) seizures and epilepsy in patients with Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) in our hospital, including emergency and inpatient wards, mainly from the perspective of the number of mNGS of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in cerebrospinal fluid. MethodsFrom January to Octomber 2023, 28 emergency and inpatient patients in our hospital were collected, excepted clinical datas were not detailed. In the end, 24 patients with HSE diagnosed were included in the study, and their clinical datas were collected, including age, gender, acute encephalitis syndrome, the form of the seizure and the number of seizures, time of lumbar puncture, and various indicators of cerebrospinal fluid [pressure, protein, cell count (mononuclear and multinucleated cells), metagenomic Next-generation sequencing (mNGS), neural autoantibodied associated with autoimmune encephalitis], electroencephalogram, cranial imaging examination reports, and treatment plans.ResultsA total of 24 patients were enrolled, including 9 patients with a history of hypertension and 4 patients with a history of diabetes. There were 18 males and 6 females, with an average age of (53.17±17.19) years. The maximum age was 73 years old, and the minimum age was 21 years old. Among the 24 patients, one patient first presented to the local hospital and then transferred to our hospital for lumbar puncture, so the time from the onset of the disease to lumbar puncture was 30 days, and the other patient’s family members refused to complete lumbar puncture at first,so the time of lumbar puncture was 14 days from the onset of the disease. The remaining 22 patients were all completed lumbar puncture within 7 days of onset, and all emergency patients completed lumbar puncture within 24 hours of admission to the Emergency Department. mNGS results: 23 cases were HSV-1, and the remaining 1 case was HSV- 2. There were a total of 6 cases of seizures and epilepy in the acute phase (≤21 days), with focal or generalized seizures or epileptic status as the main form, and 2 cases of seizures occurred. Among these 8 patients, 5 showed lesions in the frontal and temporal lobes on enhanced cranial MRI, while the other 3 showed no specific features. At the same time, mNGS of cerebrospinal fluid suggested that the sequence number of HSV was greater than 3 000 was related with seizures and epilepsy with acute HSE. Conclusion Seizures and epileysy in acute HSE were related with the presences of intracranial cortical involvement,and the number of viral sequences in mNGS was closely related to acute phase seizures and epilepsy.
ObjectiveTo analyze the risk factors for seizures in patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and to assess their predictive value for seizures. MethodsSeventy-four patients with AE from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2016 to March 2023 were collected and divided into seizure group (56 cases) and non-seizure group (18 cases), comparing the general clinical information, laboratory tests and imaging examinations and other related data of the two groups. The risk factors for seizures in AE patients were analyzed by multifactorial logistic regression, and their predictive value was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ResultsThe seizure group had a higher proportion of acute onset conditions in the underlying demographics compared with the non-seizure group (P<0.05). Laboratory data showed statistically significant differences in neutrophil count, calcitoninogen, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and interleukin-6 compared between the two groups (all P<0.05). Multi-factor logistic regression analysis of the above differential indicators showed that increased C-reactive protein [Odds ratio (OR)=4.621, 95% CI (1.123, 19.011), P=0.034], high homocysteine [OR=12.309, 95CI (2.217, 68.340), P=0.004] and onset of disease [OR=4.918, 95% CI (1.254, 19.228), P=0.022] were risk factors for seizures in AE patients, and the area under the ROC curve for the combination of the three indicators to predict seizures in AE patients was 0.856 [95% CI (0.746, 0.966)], with a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 83.3%. ConclusionHigh C-reactive protein, high homocysteine and acute onset are independent risk factors for seizures in patients with AE, and the combination of the three indices can better predict seizure status in patients.
ObjectiveTo investigate characteristics of motor semiology of epileptic seizure originated from dorsolateral frontal lobe. MethodsRetrospectively analysis the clinical profiles of patients who were diagnosed dorsolateral frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) based on stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and underwent respective surgeries subsequently. Component of motor semiology in a seizure can be divided into elementary motor (EM, include tonic, versive, clonic, and myoclonic seizures) and complex motor (CM, include automotor, hypermotor, and so on). A Talairach coordinate system was constructed in the sagittal series of MRI images in each case. From the cross point of VAC and the Sylvian Fissure, a line was drawn antero-superiorly, which made an angle of 60° with the AC-PC line, then the frontal lobe could be divided into anterior and posterior portion. The epileptogenic zone, which was defined as ictal onset and early spreading zone in SEEG, was classified into three types, according to the positional relationship of the responding electrodes contacts and the "60° line": the anterior, posterior, and intermediate FLE. The correlation of the components of motor semiology in seizures and the location of the epileptogenic zone was analyzed. ResultsFive cases (26.3%) were verified as anterior FLE, among which there were 2 of EM, one of CM, and 2 of EM+CM. In 7 cases (36.8%) of intermediate FLE, there were one of EM, none of CM, and 6 of EM+CM. In the rest 7 cases of posterior FLE, there were 6 of EM, none of CM, and one of EM+CM. Compared with the cases that the epileptogenic zone involved anterior portion, the posterior FLE is more likely to present EM seizures (85.7%), and less likely to show CM components (P < 0.05). And Compared with the anterior FLE and posterior FLE, the intermediate FLE is more likely to present EM+CM seizures (85.7%)(P < 0.05). ConclusionThe motor seizure semiology of dorsolateral FLE has significant correlation with the localization of the epileptogenic zone. Posterior FLE mainly present a pure elementary motor seizure, and once the epileptogenic zone involved anteriorly beyond the "60° line", the component of complex motor seizure would be seen. Intermediate FLE, as its specialty of transboundary, is more likely to show "comprised semiology" of EM and CM. Construction of the "60° line" with AC-PC coordinate system in the MRI images may play an useful role in semiology analysis in presurgical evaluation of FLE.
ObjectiveWe report a special case to explain seizure semiology and epileptogenic network of seizure arising from ventral motor cortex, and to explore Focal cortical dycplasia (FCD) features on MR of epileptic patients with DEPDC5 mutation.MethodsA drug-resistant focal epilepsy patient with DEPDC5 mutation was underwent a detailed presurgical evaluation. The epileptogenic area(EA) was localized with SEEG and removed later by surgery. Related literatures were thoroughly reviewed.ResultsSubtle FCD of ventral branch of inferior precentral sulcus(IPv) on MR(1.5T) was noticed. With SEEG recording, seizure onset zone was detected on IPv with the probable lesion, early spreading to anterior insula, central operculum and ventral precentral gyrus. According to the architectures of ventral motor trend, seizure semiology with evolution from contralateral dystonia to ipsilateral chorea movement could be better comprehended. Seizure was controlled after totally resection on the sites of IPv, anterior insula, and central operculum. Pathological change was FCD type I. Other literatures reported that DEPDC5 mutation related FCD may be located in motor system, and seizure onset could also be in anterior insula cortex besides motor cortex in other SEEG cases.ConclusionsEarly contralateral dystonia and chorea movement could be definite figures of seizure arising from inferior precentral sulcus; DEPDC5 mutation maybe a clue to find subtle FCD in motor cortex.
Objective To preliminarily analyse the phenomenon of the first seizure in patients with epilepsy while driving a motor vehicle, and discuss its harms and possible coping strategies. Methods The first seizure while driving a motor vehicle was investigated among epilepsy patients who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2020 to March 2023. Results A total of five patients had their first seizure while driving a motor vehicle, all causing traffic accidents. One patient had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure with a first epileptic seizure, two had focal seizures with impaired consciousness that progressed to generalized seizures, and two had focal seizures with impaired awareness. One of the patients caused a fatal traffic accident, leading to the death of another person who riding the electric bicycle. In this case, the patient's driving license was revoked. The other four patients continued to drive after the first seizure. One patient terminated driving 5 months after the diagnosis of epilepsy. Two patients drove less since then, and one patient continued driving as before. Two patients experienced seizures again while driving, and one of them coincidentally had his second seizure while driving. Conclusions The first seizure while driving may not be uncommon, reflecting the severity of epilepsy and driving, in which traffic accidents can be fatal. People with epilepsy are currently prohibited from driving in China. After the first seizure, patients should immediately stop driving and go to see an epileptologist, avoiding further endangering themselves and the public.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics and corresponding genetic features of epilepsy related to fever sensitivity. MethodsRetrospectively review 29 children with epilepsy related to fever sensitivity who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Pediatric Neurology of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to December 2022, with complete clinical data and underwent molecular genetic testing. Fill in the clinical data registration form in detail, and retrospectively summarize their clinical characteristics, electroencephalogram (EEG) manifestations, neuroimaging examinations, the selection of antiepileptic drugs, curative effects, and evaluate and follow up the developmental indicators. ResultsAmong the 29 children with epilepsy related to fever sensitivity, there were 13 males (44.8%) and 16 females (55.2%); 10 cases (34.5%) were Dravet syndrome, 3 cases (10.3%) were genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), and 1 case (3.4%) was PCDH19 gene-related epilepsy. The age of onset ranged from 2 to 25 months. Among them, 19 cases (65.5%) had an onset age of 2 to 12 months, and 10 cases (34.5%) had an onset age greater than 12 months. In 1 case of GEFS+ child, all seizures occurred after fever, and in the other 28 children, afebrile seizures were present. The interval between the first febrile seizure and the appearance of afebrile seizures was 0.09 to 116 months; the age of appearance of afebrile seizures was 5 to 134 months. There were 6 cases (20.7%) with a single seizure type, and 23 cases (79.3%) with 2 or more seizure types. There were 24 cases (82.8%) with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, 9 cases (31.0%) with generalized tonic seizures, 18 cases (62.1%) with focal seizures, 4 cases (13.8%) with absence seizures, and 1 case (3.4%) with spasm seizures. 10 cases (34.5%) of children had status epilepticus, and 13 cases (44.8%) had cluster seizures. 16 cases (55.2%) of children had a positive family history, among which 8 cases (27.6%) had a family history of febrile seizures, and 11 cases (37.9%) had a family history of afebrile seizures/epilepsy; during the initial visit and follow-up, 22 cases (75.9%) were found to have developmental delays of varying degrees. Pathogenic/suspected pathogenic gene variants/copy number variants clearly related to epilepsy were detected in 20 cases, with a detection rate of 68.9%, including SCN1A gene variants (11 cases), GABRB2 gene variants (1 case), GABRG2 gene variants (1 case), PCDH19 gene variants (1 case), SPTBN1 gene variants (c.1081_c.1097delAACTTGGAAGTGCTGCTinsCA, 1 case), ASNS gene variants (c.146G>A, 1 case), copy number variants in the 4p16.3 region (3 cases), and copy number variants in the 16p11.2 region (1 case). Among them, the gene variants of SPTBN1 and ASNS are novel gene variants that have not been previously reported in China for epilepsy related to fever sensitivity. ConclusionEpilepsy related to fever sensitivity mostly occurs in infancy, with diverse seizure patterns, varying degrees of severity of clinical symptoms, often accompanied by status epilepticus and cluster seizures, and mostly combined with developmental delays of varying degrees. This study found that the gene variants of SPTBN1 and ASNS, which have not been previously reported in China, may be rare pathogenic genes for epilepsy related to fever sensitivity.
Objective To explore the damage, damage model and influence factors of the empathy ability on patients with epilepsy by the Chinese version of interpersonal reaction index scale (IRI-C). Methods Eighty-eight non-symptomatic epilepsy patients who were from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University and 100 healthy controls were included in the study from March 2015 to January 2016. Patients with serious cognitive impairment and severe anxiety or depression were ruled out through neural psychology background screening (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Hamilton anxiety and depression scale) due to their influence on empathy scores. Thereafter the empathy ability was compared between epilepsy patients and healthy controls using the IRI-C, and the effect of seizure type on empathy ability was analyzed. According to the epileptic seizure types of generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), patients were divided into 3 groups: non-GTCS group (simple or complex partial seizure, n=17), pure GTCS group (only primary GTCS attack, n=23) and SGS group (partial onset secondary GTCS,n=48). The control group included 100 healthy participants. In order to ensure the balance of sample size, 30 samples are randomly selected from SGS and control groups respectively for statistical analysis. Then patients were divided in two groups according to whether he/she has complex partial seizure (CPS), and 30 patients in each group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS18.0 software package. Results ① The total IRI-C Empathy scores, Cognitive empathy (CE) and two factors of the patients in epilepsy group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05), while there was no statistical difference in Emotional Empathy (EE) and two factors between groups (P>0.05). ②ANOVA showed the points of CE (include two factors) and total scores of empathy mean different between the four groups (P<0.05), and EE (include two factors) scores were no statistically significant differences between the four groups (P>0.05). The CE scores were differences between the GTCS group, pure GTCS group and SGS group. The scores of the perspective-taking was statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the pure GTCS group and the SGS group. The scores of perspective-taking of SGS group were lower than the other groups (P<0.05) . In other words, the scores of the perspective-taking of SGS group were lower than those of the other three groups, and the CE scores were lower than the GTCS group and the control group. ③ The opinion selection, imagination, CE and total empathy score of CPS group were all worse than that of non-CPS group (P<0.05). Conclusions The empathy ability of epilepsy patientswere impaired in CE, but reserved in EE Epileptic subtype CPS and GTCS were risk factors of the decline in empathy ability in epilepsy patients.