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Lukić S, Stojanov A. Seizure or syncope: Is the history-based scale feasible to use in an emergency department setting? Australas Emerg Care 2024; 27:142-147. [PMID: 38057243 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a screening questionnaire, based on historical criteria, in distinguishing between seizures and syncope in patients experiencing their first episode of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) in a neurology emergency department. METHODS A prospective cohort of 159 patients with initial TLOC episodes underwent clinical observation and answered a nine-question screening questionnaire. The questionnaire's predictive ability was compared to final diagnoses determined through detailed neurology, electrophysiology, and cardiology assessments during a minimum 12-month follow-up. Logistic regression (LR) analysis was performed with final diagnosis as the outcome variable. The calibration and discrimination of the models were assessed. RESULTS revealed that the screening score accurately classified 72.33% of patients. Among those with positive screening scores, 65 (67.71%) had seizures compared to 31 (32.29%) with syncope. Introducing a novel risk-scoring model incorporating age and gender, in addition to the screening score, significantly improved performance achieving an accurate classification rate of 81.48%. Among patients with a positive prediction, 63 (80.77%) had seizure, whereas 15 (19.23%) had syncope. CONCLUSIONS Employing a structured questionnaire based on common historical criteria is a valuable tool for distinguishing between seizure and syncope in the dynamic setting of the emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevo Lukić
- Clinic of Neurology, University Clinical Centre Niš, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Serbia.
| | - Aleksandar Stojanov
- Clinic of Neurology, University Clinical Centre Niš, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Serbia
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Khan R, Chaturvedi P, Sahu P, Ludhiadch A, Singh P, Singh G, Munshi A. Role of Potassium Ion Channels in Epilepsy: Focus on Current Therapeutic Strategies. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:67-87. [PMID: 36578258 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666221227112621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is one of the prevalent neurological disorders characterized by disrupted synchronization between inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Disturbed membrane potential due to abnormal regulation of neurotransmitters and ion transport across the neural cell membrane significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Potassium ion channels (KCN) regulate the resting membrane potential and are involved in neuronal excitability. Genetic alterations in the potassium ion channels (KCN) have been reported to result in the enhancement of the release of neurotransmitters, the excitability of neurons, and abnormal rapid firing rate, which lead to epileptic phenotypes, making these ion channels a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy. The aim of this study is to explore the variations reported in different classes of potassium ion channels (KCN) in epilepsy patients, their functional evaluation, and therapeutic strategies to treat epilepsy targeting KCN. METHODOLOGY A review of all the relevant literature was carried out to compile this article. RESULTS A large number of variations have been reported in different genes encoding various classes of KCN. These genetic alterations in KCN have been shown to be responsible for disrupted firing properties of neurons. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the main therapeutic strategy to treat epilepsy. Some patients do not respond favorably to the AEDs treatment, resulting in pharmacoresistant epilepsy. CONCLUSION Further to address the challenges faced in treating epilepsy, recent approaches like optogenetics, chemogenetics, and genome editing, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are emerging as target-specific therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Khan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Pragya Chaturvedi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Prachi Sahu
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Abhilash Ludhiadch
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Paramdeep Singh
- Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001 India
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
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Anwar SAM, Elsakka EE, Khalil M, Ibrahim AAG, ElBeheiry A, Mohammed SF, Omar TEI, Amer YS. Adapted Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsies in Children: A Tertiary Children's Hospital Update. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 141:87-92. [PMID: 36774685 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS AND/OR BACKGROUND We recently updated and merged the adapted clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the diagnosis and treatment of children with epilepsy of a tertiary-level hospital. Medical knowledge is always evolving. As a result, it is critical to revisit the clinical standards on a frequent basis to ensure that the best services are offered to the target receivers. The purpose of this article was to update and merge the CPGs at Alexandria University Children Hospital (AUCH) for the diagnosis (2014) and treatment (2016) of children with epilepsy to unify and standardize the practice for better care and outcome. METHODS This review and update CPG project was initiated by assembling a Guideline Review Group (GRG). The GRG conducted focus group discussions and decided to search any published updates of the recommendations of the previously identified high-quality and evidence-based CPG developed by the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) and to merge the two previous local CPGs under one comprehensive CPG for full management of epilepsy in children. The high quality of the selected source CPG from SIGN was based on quality assessment of CPGs undertaken previously using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument. The GRG followed the Checklist for the Reporting of Updated Guidelines (CheckUp), which is the CPG tool recommended by the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of health Research Network for reporting of updated CPGs in addition to the RIGHT-Ad@pt Checklist for Adapted CPGs. The finalized updated CPG draft was sent to the external reviewer group topic experts. RESULTS The group updated 10 main categories of recommendations from one source CPG (SIGN). The recommendations included (1) epilepsy diagnosis; (2) recognition, identification, and referral; (3) pharmacological treatment of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes; (4) nonpharmacological treatment of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes; (5) managing pharmacoresistant epilepsy; (6) management of epilepsy in special groups; (7) medications; (8) children and caregiver education and support; (9) comorbidities and mortality; and (10) transitional care from pediatric to adult care services. CONCLUSIONS The finalized CPG provides evidence-based guidance to health care providers in AUCH for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in children. The study also established the significance of a collaborative clinical and methodological expert group for the update of CPGs, as well as the usability of the "CheckUp" and "RIGHT-Ad@pt" CPG Tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A M Anwar
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paediatrics Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Elham E Elsakka
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paediatrics Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona Khalil
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paediatrics Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Afaf A G Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Community Medicine Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed ElBeheiry
- Faculty of Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Tarek E I Omar
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paediatrics Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yasser S Amer
- Paediatrics Department, Quality Management, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Alexandria Center for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Adaptation Working Group, Guidelines International Network, Perth, Scotland, UK.
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Evaluation and Management of New Onset and Breakthrough Seizures in Adults in the Emergency Department. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-022-00253-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Zou R, Wang S, Wen W, Cai H, Wang Y, Liu P, Li F, Lin P, Wang C. Risk Factors and Prognostic Follow-Up of Vasovagal Syncope Children With Seizure-Like Activities During Head-Up Tilt Test Induced-Syncope. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:916542. [PMID: 35757321 PMCID: PMC9226399 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.916542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyze the risk factors associated with seizure-like activities during head up tilt test (HUTT)-induced syncope in children with vasovagal syncope (VVS) and assess the prognosis of these patients. Methods This is a retrospective study. VVS children with or without seizure-like activities during HUTT-induced syncope were included in convulsive or non-convulsive group. The clinical characteristics, hemodynamic parameters during HUTT-induced syncope and follow-up data were reviewed from the HUTT case report form and analyzed. Results 68 cases (25 males, mean age 11.86 ± 3.35 years) were enrolled in convulsive group and 65 cases in non-convulsive group (24 males, mean age 11.64 ± 2.11 years). There were statistical differences in history duration, response type, and asystole between the two groups (all P < 0.05). Fully adjusted logistic regression showed that the risk of seizure-like activities was increased by 37.18 folds for patients with asystole compared with those without asystole (P = 0.005), by 308.25 and 6.08 folds for patients with cardioinhibitory type or mixed type compared with vasoinhibitory type (P < 0.01). No significant difference was exhibited in negative HUTT conversion rate and the proportion of re-syncope patients between the two groups at follow-up (both P > 0.05). None of these convulsive patients underwent pacemaker implantation during follow-up. Conclusions Asystole and response type were independent risk factors associated with seizure-like activities. Patients with asystole and mixed or cardioinhibitory responses to HUTT should be closely concerned. However, VVS children with seizure-like activities did not have a poor prognosis at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runmei Zou
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Cai
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuwen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Wang ; orcid.org/0000-0002-7120-0654
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Pellinen J, Snyder E, Knupp KG. The language of seizure identification: A qualitative investigation. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108484. [PMID: 34915429 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical history taking is often the most important factor in seizure recognition and the diagnosis of epilepsy. Apart from subspecialist evaluation, patients frequently present for initial evaluation of seizures in emergency departments, urgent care clinics, and primary care clinics. We utilized qualitative methods to assess the current approaches and language used by both subspecialist and non-specialist physicians when interviewing adult patients with suspected seizures to create a clinical tool to aid in seizure diagnosis. METHODS We carried out semi- structured interviews with 10 physicians spanning a range of specialties, practice locations, and clinical experience. This included epilepsy specialists and non-specialists in fields where evaluation of new-onset seizures is common: emergency medicine, internal medicine, and family medicine. Thematic analysis was used to develop a "Seizure Identifier" questionnaire, which was subsequently reviewed by five independent experts for content and face validity. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that across specialties and practice settings, physicians have a structured approach in evaluating patients who present with suspected seizures. Five key characteristics important for identifying seizures emerged across interviews: sudden-onset unprovoked symptoms, short-lasting symptoms, strange or difficult-to-describe symptoms, highly stereotyped symptoms, and postictal symptoms. After independent review, these were translated into an eight-question "Seizure Identifier" tool. SIGNIFICANCE This study highlights important concepts for clinical practice regarding seizure identification. Using themes from our analysis, we were able to create a tool that may aid non-specialists in the approach to history taking for adult patients who present with suspected seizures and may help improve time to subspecialist evaluation. Importantly, this tool can be tested in future research for improving seizure recognition and improving timely epilepsy diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Pellinen
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Ellen Snyder
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelly G Knupp
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Aurora, CO, USA
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The role of fundoscopy in pediatric seizures. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:399-402. [PMID: 34181065 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fundoscopy can guide clinicians in the decision to perform neuroimaging. Our aim was to evaluate the rate of abnormal neuroimaging following fundoscopy in children presenting with seizures to the pediatric emergency department (PED). This was a retrospective single-center study. Patients with a discharge diagnosis of seizures were evaluated. Outcome measures were the rate of abnormal brain imaging following a finding of papilledema, and the rate of repeat fundoscopies due to an inconclusive initial examination. A total of 646 patients with seizures underwent fundoscopy. Out of 3 patients who were diagnosed initially with papilledema, only one patient had an abnormal brain CT. He was diagnosed with papilledema previously, and neuroimaging was previously recommended. A total of 7.6% (49/646) of patients underwent a second fundoscopic evaluation. In view of the limited yield and accuracy of fundoscopy in the PED, its role in the clinical decision making in children with seizures is questionable. What is Known: • Seizures are not described as an isolated presenting symptom of increased ICP. • Fundoscopy in children requires skill, time, cooperation. What is New: • Papilledema was found in only one patient who presented with seizures. • Fundoscopy in the PED has limited yield and accuracy in children with seizures.
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Neligan A, Heaney D, Rajakulendran S. Is a separate clinical pathway for first seizures justified? Appraisal of the first seizure pathway at a tertiary neuroscience centre. Seizure 2020; 84:108-111. [PMID: 33310677 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical characteristics, final diagnosis, investigation results, management, response to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and clinical outcomes of individuals assessed in a First Seizure service over a 5-year period. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 772 individuals who were clinically assessed in a dedicated First Seizure service at National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery (NHNN), Queen Square over a 5-year period. RESULTS 772 individuals were assessed following a suspected or reported first seizure (median age of 54, average age of 39.4, range 16-96). 393 (50.9 %) were ultimately diagnosed with a definite seizure of which 183 (46.5 %) had experienced seizures previously which had not been recognised or diagnosed. 250 (32 %) had vasovagal syncope and 69 (18.2 %) were diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. EEGs in 16.6 % of individuals who had a first unprovoked seizure demonstrated epileptiform discharges, whilst 33.6 % had abnormal MRI findings felt to be clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS Seizure mimics represent a significant proportion of attendees to a 'first seizure' service. Improved recognition and more education of this issue could facilitate earlier management of these other diagnostic entities and ensure that only appropriate cases are referred to the first seizure service. Almost half of 'first seizure' cases had previous seizures, highlighting the importance of obtaining this relevant history and in reviewing ASM-naive individuals in a timely manner with the primary aim of preventing further recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Neligan
- Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR, UK; UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - D Heaney
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - S Rajakulendran
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, London N18 1QX, UK.
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Sattar S, Kuperman R. Telehealth in pediatric epilepsy care: A rapid transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107282. [PMID: 32759065 PMCID: PMC7386847 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Telehealth's first literature reference is an article in 1879 in the Lancet about using the telephone to reduce unnecessary office visits (Institute of Medicine & Board on Health Care Services, 2012). However, providers have been slow to adopt telehealth into their clinical practice secondary to barriers such as cost and reimbursement (Kane and Gillis, 2018) [2]. The advent of shelter in place orders combined with the ongoing need defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma "for all Americans, and particularly vulnerable populations who are at heightened risk, to be able to access their providers" has resulted in the rapid implementation of telehealth across multiple specialties. The goal of this paper is to provide a practical framework for translating quality care in epilepsy as defined by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guidelines into a virtual care environment. We will also discuss the use and limitations of point of care testing in epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifteh Sattar
- University of California, San Diego, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Rady Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123, United States of America.
| | - Rachel Kuperman
- Eysz, Inc., 107 Sandringham Road, Piedmont, CA 94611, United States of America.
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Joo BE, Koo DL, Yim HR, Park J, Seo DW, Kim JS. Seizure-like activities in patients with head-up tilt test-induced syncope. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e13602. [PMID: 30572468 PMCID: PMC6320058 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000013602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the characteristics of seizure-like activities during head-up tilt test (HUT)-induced syncope, in patients with suspected vasovagal syncope (VVS). We also evaluated the differences in hemodynamic parameters between patients with and without seizure-like activities.A total of 71 patients with suspected VVS, who showed syncope during HUT between October 2010 and May 2013, were analyzed. Electrocardiogram and hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored during HUT. We also performed video recording of patients during HUT to identify eyeball deviation or seizure-like limb movements.In all, 47 patients (66.2%) showed seizure-like activities at the time of syncope during HUT, 14 patients presented eyeball deviation, without abnormal limb movements, and 33 patients showed abnormal limb movements, such as myoclonic or tonic-clonic activities, as well as eyeball deviation. Upon comparison of the 2 groups with or without seizure-like activities, patients showing seizure-like activities presented a significantly lower heart rate at the time of syncope in HUT (38.51 ± 16.81 vs 49.67 ± 20.12, P < .05). Also, upon comparison within patients showing seizure-like activities, the patients who showed abnormal limb movements with eyeball deviation demonstrated a significantly lower systolic blood pressure and cardiac output at the time of syncope (34.30 ± 12.24 vs 49.00 ± 14.14, P < .05; 0.58 ± 0.40 vs 1.32 ± 0.97, P < .05).Seizure-like activities were observed in high percentage in about 66% of patients during HUT-induced syncope. The occurrence of seizure-like activities was associated with more severe transient hemodynamic changes, such as lower heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and cardiac output at the time of the HUT-induced syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Euk Joo
- Department of Neurology, Myongji Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Gyeonggi-do
| | - Dae Lim Koo
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Hye Ran Yim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Stroke Vascular Institute
| | - Jungwae Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Stroke Vascular Institute
| | - Dae-Won Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - June Soo Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Stroke Vascular Institute
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Muayqil TA, Alanazy MH, Almalak HM, Alsalman HK, Abdulfattah FW, Aldraihem AI, Al-Hussain F, Aljafen BN. Accuracy of seizure semiology obtained from first-time seizure witnesses. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:135. [PMID: 30172251 PMCID: PMC6119308 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known of how accurately a first-time seizure witness can provide reliable details of a semiology. Our goal was to determine how accurately first-time seizure witnesses could identify key elements of an epileptic event that would aid the clinician in diagnosing a seizure. Methods A total of 172 participants over 17 years of age, with a mean (sd) of 33.12 (13.2) years and 49.4% female, composed of two groups of community dwelling volunteers, were shown two different seizure videos; one with a focal seizure that generalized (GSV), and the other with a partial seizure that did not generalize (PSV). Participants were first asked about what they thought was the event that had occurred. They then went through a history-taking scenario by an assessor using a battery of pre-determined questions about involvement of major regions: the head, eyes, mouth, upper limbs, lower limbs, or change in consciousness. Further details were then sought about direction of movement in the eyes, upper and lower limbs, the side of limb movements and the type of movements in the upper and lower limbs. Analysis was with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results One hundred twenty-two (71.4%) identified the events as seizure or epilepsy. The accuracy of identifying major areas of involvement ranged from 60 to 89.5%. Horizontal head movements were significantly more recognized in the PSV, while involvement of the eyes, lateralization of arm movement, type of left arm movement, leg involvement, and lateralization of leg movement were significantly more recognized in the GSV. Those shown the GSV were more likely to recognize the event as "seizure" or "epilepsy" than those shown the PSV; 78 (84.8%) vs 44 (55.7%), (OR 0.22, p < 0.0001). Younger age was also associated with correct recognition (OR 0.96, P 0.049). False positive responses ranged from 2.5 to 32.5%. Conclusion First-time witnesses can identify important elements more than by chance alone, and are more likely to associate generalized semiologies with seizures or epilepsy than partial semiologies. However, clinicians still need to navigate the witness’s account carefully for additional information since routine questioning could result in a misleading false positive answer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taim A Muayqil
- Division of Neurology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (38), Riyadh, 11472, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed H Alanazy
- Division of Neurology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (38), Riyadh, 11472, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan M Almalak
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (38), Riyadh, 11472, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Fawaz Al-Hussain
- Division of Neurology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (38), Riyadh, 11472, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar N Aljafen
- Division of Neurology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (38), Riyadh, 11472, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Optimal treatment of a possible first seizure depends on the determination if the paroxysmal event was an epileptic seizure and was on an accurate assessment of the recurrence risk. This review summarizes evidence from the last 5 years addressing the following questions: Is it an epileptic seizure? Is it a first seizure? When does a first seizure indicate epilepsy? RECENT FINDINGS The acts of taking and interpreting the history from patients and witnesses continue to be the most important tools in the diagnosis of first seizures. Assessment tools based on factual questions and the observation of patients' conversational behaviour can contribute to the differentiation of patients with epileptic seizures from those who have experienced other types of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). At present, only about 40% of patients are seen after their very first seizure. Tests have a limited role in the initial diagnosis of a seizure but help to determine the recurrence risk based on the cause. A remote symptomatic cause and detection of epileptiform discharges are associated with a recurrence risk of at least 60% and allow a diagnosis of epilepsy after a first seizure. The risk of recurrence after an acute symptomatic first seizure is well below 60%. SUMMARY Expert history-taking continues to be the most important tool in the diagnosis of a first seizure. Cause is the most important determinant of the recurrence risk. Unfortunately, there is currently no formula enabling a precise calculation of an individualized recurrence risk.
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Pohlmann-Eden B, Burneo JG. The broad spectrum of first seizure and newly-diagnosed epilepsy. Seizure 2017; 49:42-45. [PMID: 28222944 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Pohlmann-Eden
- Epilepsy Center, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Jorge G Burneo
- Epilepsy Program, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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