ObjectiveTo investigate the status of quality of life and influencing factors among newly diagnosed epilepsy patients with co-morbid anxiety and depression. MethodsA total of 180 newly diagnosed epilepsy patients from June 2022 to December 2022 in a district of Shanghai were selected as the study subjects. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS) were used to assess patients' quality of life, depression levels, anxiety levels, and self-management abilities, respectively. Patients were divided into the co-morbid depression group (HAMA≥14 and HAMD>17) and the control group (HAMA<14 and HAMD≤17), and their general characteristics and scale scores were compared. Spearman correlation, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify influencing factors of quality of life in epilepsy patients with co-morbid depression. ResultsCompared to the control group, the anxiety comorbid with depression group of older adults had a higher proportion, higher unemployment rate, lower personal and family annual income in the past year, higher frequency of epileptic seizures, and lower medication adherence (P<0.05). The correlational analysis revealed a negative correlation between the quality of life abilities of epilepsy patients with comorbid anxiety and depression and the severity of anxiety and depression. (r=?0.589, ?0.620, P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the frequency of seizures in the past year (β=?1.379, P<0.05), severity of anxiety (β=?0.279, P<0.05), and severity of depression (β=?0.361, P<0.05) have an impact on the ability to quality of life in epilepsy patients with co-morbid anxiety and depression. These factors account for 44.1% of the total variability in quality of life (R2=0.4411, P<0.05). ConclusionThe frequency of seizures in the past year, as well as the severity of anxiety and depression, are important factors that influence the ability to quality of life in epilepsy patients with comorbid anxiety and depression. For these patients, it is crucial to take into account these factors and provide appropriate support and interventions.
Objective To investigate the correlation of intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC) with epilepsy and the possible mechanism of seizure induced by IAC. Methods Patients with IAC, who were treated in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2009 and January 2019, were included and divided into IAC with epilepsy group and IAC without epilepsy group according to whether they were diagnosed with epilepsy. We collected the IAC location information of all subjects after the establishment of a three-dimensional spatial coordinate system of MRI images. Computational fluid dynamics technology was used to establish a blood vessel model in cyst area and perform hemodynamic analysis basing on contrast-enhanced CT images. Results A total of 72 patients were enrolled, including 24 in the IAC with epilepsy group and 48 in the IAC without epilepsy group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sex, age, IAC location, the volumes or the maximum diameters of IAC (P>0.05). Consecutive areas formed by the seven high-risk areas found in the IAC with epilepsy group were located in the temporal area. The seven high-risk areas were simultaneous IAC location in 5 patients in the IAC with epilepsy group and in 1 patient in the IAC without epilepsy group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.114, P=0.024). Comparison of the hemodynamic parameters between the two types of vascular models revealed similar pressure changes and blood pressure parameters, with lower blood flow and higher mean vascular wall shear stress in the IAC with epilepsy group. Conclusions IAC may cause epilepsy by increasing adjacent blood vessel stenosis and blood vessel wall shear stress through cyst space-occupying effect. The most common location of IAC with epilepsy is the temporal area. The occupying effect of IAC should be considered in the location of epileptogenic foci before surgery for IAC patients with epilepsy.
ObjectiveTo analyze and summarize the clinical and video EEG (VEEG) characteristics of tuberous sclerosis (TSC) with epilepsy.MethodsClinical data of 30 children with TSC who met the revised diagnostic criteria of TSC in 2012 from Jan. 2016 to May 2019 in Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital were collected, including 29 children with epileptic seizures. The characteristics of skin lesions, imaging, seizures and long-term VEEG were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThe mean age was (2.88 ± 2.64), 12 males and 18 females, 1 case of lumbar acid as the first symptom, 29 cases with epilepsy as the first symptom, the incidence of epilepsy is high, and the onset age is less than 1 year old; TSC can cause different degrees of cognitive impact; depigmentation or milk coffee spots are the most common skin changes in young children; TSC with infantile spasm has a high incidence; children younger than 10 years old may have lesions of other organs except nervous system lesions. However, the incidence of other organ lesions was relatively low. Most of TSC children with epilepsy were accompanied by abnormal EEG discharge.ConclusionThe clinical characteristics of TSC with epileptic seizures are various, and early diagnosis is of great significance.
ObjectiveMalformations of cortical development (MCDs) are increasingly identified as important etiology for refractory epilepsy. Little is known about the spectrum, distribution and clinical features of MCDs, especially in a resource-limited region. This study investigated the distribution and compared the clinical features and long-term prognosis between simple and multiple forms.
MethodsConsecutive 150 epilepsy patients with pathologically or radiologically confirmed MCDs were included from a tertiary epilepsy center in western China. Patients were divided into three subtypes according to the scheme of Barkovich, also Simple and Multiple forms based on whether single type of MCDs or other brain developmental abnormalities co-existed.
ResultsThe most common type of MCDs is focal cortical dysplasia, and China is still in the early phase of implementing surgical treatments. We found perinatal insults more common in sub-group III patients. Furthermore, 'Multiple' form was identified in 36/150 patients. Patients with heterotopias were more commonly associated with other abnormalities.
ConclusionMCDs are critical causes for epilepsy, also a big challenge for resource-limited countries. Imaging techniques are crucial in diagnosing and classifying cortical deformities. Multiple malformations lead to more severe clinical features and worsen the prognosis, helping physicians to seek the best therapeutic option, also assists in classifying MCDs.
Currently, approximately one-third of epilepsy patients exhibit resistance to anti-seizure medications (Anti-seizure medications, ASMs), which can only alleviate symptoms, but cannot completely cure the condition. Consequently, the development of new ASMs from an understanding of epilepsy pathogenesis has emerged as an urgent social issue. The role of neuroinflammation in various neurological diseases has garnered significant attention as a popular research topic both domestically and internationally. Numerous studies have corroborated the involvement of neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of epilepsy. The biological target, Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), is considered as a marker of neuroinflammation and is intricately involved in the entire neuroinflammatory response. Investigating the function of TSPO in epilepsy neuroinflammation can potentially uncover new treatment targets. At present, the exact mechanism of TSPO in epilepsy neuroinflammation remains unclear, thus necessitating a comprehensive summary and overview. This article reviewed the advancements made in TSPO research within the realm of neuroinflammation and its role in epileptic neuroinflammation, aiming to contribute novel insights for the identification of related targets and pathways for epilepsy treatment.
To improve nursing interventions for patients with epilepsy and intellectual impairment. Epilepsy, as one of the common chronic neurological diseases, often coexists with intellectual impairment. This article reviews the treatment methods and related nursing measures for epilepsy patients with intellectual impairment, and proposes the application of comprehensive nursing concepts in clinical practice. The nursing of patients with epilepsy and intellectual impairment faces multiple challenges. Nursing activities provide personalized care needs, emphasize patient education, simplify medication treatment plans, and promote collaborative relationships between patients, nursing staff, and healthcare providers. Through evidence-based intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative nursing models, nursing plays a crucial role in improving patient treatment outcomes and enhancing their quality of life.
ObjectiveTo discuss the risk of abortion related to lamotrigine (LTG) and its safety profile during pregnancy.
MethodsRetrospectively studied pregnant women in our epilepsy clinics who took LTG from 2011 to 2015 as monotherapy and experienced embryo damage or abortion. Here, we present an extensive review of related literatures regarding possible mechanisms, clinical features and safty of LTG during pregnancy.
ResultsIn our study, fourty-five pregnancies were administered monotherapy LTG, and three of these patients suffered embryo damage.
ConclusionsAlthough LTG is considered safe for pregnant women and the embryo or fetus,it also has risk of embryo damage or abortion, which should be carefully considered before prescription. Using monotherapy and the lowest effective drug dose, monitoring LTG serum concentrations during pregnancy, supplementing folate administration before and after conception and conducting regular prenatal diagnostic tests might reduce the risk of abortion.
Objective
To understand the status quo of medical staffs engaged in epilepsy and EEG in Shanxi Province, analyze the existing problems, and summarize the improvement and development direction of epilepsy and EEG in Shanxi Province.
Methods
A questionnaire survey was conducted among medical staff of epilepsy and electroencephalogram specialty in public hospitals at or above county level in whole province and municipalities.
Results
① Generally speaking, there are 17 males and 473 females in this study, with an average age of 38.7 years, the youngest was 23 years-old and the oldest was 70 years-old; ② The regional distribution has a tendency of decrease from Taiyuan in Shanxi Province to the remote areas of southeast, northwest and northwest China, and the epilepsy treatment in some poverty-stricken areas have not even been carried out; ③ The shortest time of working is 3 months and the longest is more than 40 years. The proportion of junior collage students, undergraduates, masters and doctors is 24%, 50%, 25% and 1% respectivel. The professional titles of primary, medium-level, vice-senior and senior are 24%, 39%, 26% and 11% respectively.
Conclusion
The number of medical workers engaged in EEG specialty in Shanxi Province is insufficient, the regional development is not balanced, and the number of junior and medium-level professional titles is large. We can formulate a mobile policy to encourage experienced medical personnel to communicate with weak areas, so as to improve the overall level of epilepsy and EEG professional development in Shanxi Province.
ObjectiveTo probe the clinical features and the characteristics of radiography and electroencephalogram (EEG) of tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC) in children with epilepsy.
MethodsThe clinical data of the TSC cases with epilepsy were collected from inpatients in Jiangxi Children's Hospital from Jan. 2013 to Oct. 2015.
ResultsAmong the 26 cases, 21 cases(21/26, 80.77%) involved abnormalities of the skin. Of these patients, there were 10 cases with hypomelanotic macules, 7 cases with café au lait spots and 4 cases with facial angiofibromas. There were no significant difference among the different age groups. In addition, there were 8 cases (8/26, 30.77%) with spasm seizures, of whom 3 cases had partial seizure, 10 cases (10/26, 38.46%) with complex partial seizure, 5 cases(5/26, 19.23%) with secondary generalized seizure, 2 cases(2/26, 7.69%) with tonic-clonic seizure and one case with Lennox-Gastaut syndrom(1/26, 3.85%). The average onset age of the epileptic spasms group were younger than those of the other epilepsy groups (t=2.143, P=0.042). EEG monitoring demonstrated hypsarrhythmia in 7 cases (7/26, 26.92%) in the interictal EEG, focal epileptic discharges in 11 cases (11/26, 42.31%), multifocal discharges in 5 cases, the slow background activity in 2 cases and the normal EEG in one case. Cranial imaging demonstrated subependymal nodules (SEN) in 25 cases(25/26, 96.15%) was the most common.
ConclusionThe clinical manifestations and seizure types of TSC in children, especially in infants and young children, were diverse and age-dependent. It was very important to improve understanding of the clinical features and related risks of TSC at various ages, which was helpful to diagnose TSC early.
ObjectiveThe research goal: to study the diagnostic value of T2-flair sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hippocampal sclerosis. MethodsThe clinical data of 135 patients with epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis in the Epilepsy Center of Tianshui Third People's Hospital from March 2019 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively, studying the correlation between the changes of hippocampal sclerosis signal and the frequency of epileptic seizures in MRI T2-flair sequence multi axial scanning. ResultsThere were 109 cases of simple hippocampal sclerosis and 26 cases of hippocampal sclerosis with other lesions, including 8 cases of cavernous hemangioma, 9 cases of traumatic or infectious malacia, 2 cases of focal cortical dysplasia, 1 case of cerebral fissure malformation, 1 case of giant gyrus and 5 cases of perinatal brain injury. MRI features of hippocampal sclerosis were as follows: ① hippocampal volume increased slightly, structure blurred, and T2-flair showed slightly increased hippocampal signal in 15 cases, accounting for 11.11%; ② The hippocampal formation was fuzzy, T2-flair was punctate hyperintense, and the volume did not change in 17 cases (12.59%); ③ Hippocampal pyknosis into small lumps, T2-flair sequence showed high signal in 103 cases, accounting for 76.30%. Statistics showed that there was a correlation between hippocampal sclerosis signal and seizure frequency (χ2=94.94, P<0.05). The higher the hippocampal sclerosis signal, the more the seizure frequency. ConclusionMRI T2-flair sequence multi axial scanning can improve the diagnostic accuracy of hippocampal sclerosis. As the change of hippocampal sclerosis signal becomes more obvious, the trend of seizure frequency increases.
