Interictal magnetoencephalography abnormalities to guide intracranial electrode implantation and predict surgical outcome

Intracranial EEG is the gold standard technique for epileptogenic zone localization but requires a preconceived hypothesis of the location of the epileptogenic tissue. This placement is guided by qualitative interpretations of seizure semiology, MRI, EEG and other imaging modalities, such as magnetoencephalography. Quantitative abnormality mapping using magnetoencephalography has recently been shown to have potential clinical value. We hypothesized that if quantifiable magnetoencephalography abnormalities were sampled by intracranial EEG, then patients' post-resection seizure outcome may be better. Thirty-two individuals with refractory neocortical epilepsy underwent magnetoencephalography and subsequent intracranial EEG recordings as part of presurgical evaluation. Eyes-closed resting-state interictal magnetoencephalography band power abnormality maps were derived from 70 healthy controls as a normative baseline. Magnetoencephalography abnormality maps were compared to intracranial EEG electrode implantation, with the spatial overlap of intracranial EEG electrode placement and cerebral magnetoencephalography abnormalities recorded. Finally, we assessed if the implantation of electrodes in abnormal tissue and subsequent resection of the strongest abnormalities determined by magnetoencephalography and intracranial EEG corresponded to surgical success. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as a measure of effect size. Intracranial electrodes were implanted in brain tissue with the most abnormal magnetoencephalography findings-in individuals that were seizure-free postoperatively (T = 3.9, P = 0.001) but not in those who did not become seizure-free. The overlap between magnetoencephalography abnormalities and electrode placement distinguished surgical outcome groups moderately well (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.68). In isolation, the resection of the strongest abnormalities as defined by magnetoencephalography and intracranial EEG separated surgical outcome groups well, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.71 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.74, respectively. A model incorporating all three features separated surgical outcome groups best (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.80). Intracranial EEG is a key tool to delineate the epileptogenic zone and help render individuals seizure-free postoperatively. We showed that data-driven abnormality maps derived from resting-state magnetoencephalography recordings demonstrate clinical value and may help guide electrode placement in individuals with neocortical epilepsy. Additionally, our predictive model of postoperative seizure freedom, which leverages both magnetoencephalography and intracranial EEG recordings, could aid patient counselling of expected outcome.

Interictal MEG abnormalities to guide intracranial electrode implantation and predict surgical outcome

Intracranial EEG (iEEG) is the gold standard technique for epileptogenic zone (EZ) localisation, but requires a preconceived hypothesis of the location of the epileptogenic tissue. This placement is guided by qualitative interpretations of seizure semiology, MRI, EEG and other imaging modalities, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG). Quantitative abnormality mapping using MEG has recently been shown to have potential clinical value. We hypothesised that if quantifiable MEG abnormalities were sampled by iEEG, then patients' post-resection seizure outcome may be better. Thirty-two individuals with refractory neocortical epilepsy underwent MEG and subsequent iEEG recordings as part of pre-surgical evaluation. Eyes-closed resting-state interictal MEG band power abnormality maps were derived from 70 healthy controls as a normative baseline. MEG abnormality maps were compared to iEEG electrode implantation, with the spatial overlap of iEEG electrode placement and cerebral MEG abnormalities recorded. Finally, we assessed if the implantation of electrodes in abnormal tissue, and subsequent resection of the strongest abnormalities determined by MEG and iEEG corresponded to surgical success. Intracranial electrodes were implanted in brain tissue with the most abnormal MEG findings - in individuals that were seizure-free post-operatively (T=3.9, p=0.003), but not in those who did not become seizure free. The overlap between MEG abnormalities and electrode placement distinguished surgical outcome groups moderately well (AUC=0.68). In isolation, the resection of the strongest abnormalities as defined by MEG and iEEG separated surgical outcome groups well, AUC=0.71, AUC=0.74 respectively. A model incorporating all three features separated surgical outcome groups best (AUC=0.80). Intracranial EEG is a key tool to delineate the EZ and help render individuals seizure-free post-operatively. We showed that data-driven abnormality maps derived from resting-state MEG recordings demonstrate clinical value and may help guide electrode placement in individuals with neocortical epilepsy. Additionally, our predictive model of post-operative seizure-freedom, which leverages both MEG and iEEG recordings, could aid patient counselling of expected outcome.

Retention of brivaracetam in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy at a single tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION

Brivaracetam (BRV) is licensed as an adjunctive treatment for focal epilepsy. We describe our clinical experience with BRV at a large UK tertiary center.

METHODS

Adults initiated on BRV between July 2015 and July 2020 were followed up until they discontinued BRV or September 2021. Data on epilepsy syndrome, duration, seizure types, concomitant and previous antiseizure medication (ASM) use, BRV dosing, efficacy, and side effects were recorded. Efficacy was categorized as temporary (minimum three months) or ongoing (at last follow-up) seizure freedom, ≥50% seizure reduction, or other benefits (e.g., no convulsions or daytime seizures). Brivaracetam retention was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

Two-hundred people were treated with BRV, of whom 81% had focal epilepsy. The mean (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up time was 707 (688) days, and the dose range was 50-600 mg daily. The mean (IQR) of the previous number of used ASMs was 6.9 (6.0), and concomitant use was 2.2 (1.0). One-hundred and eighty-eight people (94%) had previously discontinued levetiracetam (LEV), mainly due to side effects. 13/200 (6.5%) were seizure free for a minimum of six months during treatment, and 46/200 (23%) had a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency for six months or more. Retention rates were 83% at six months, 71% at 12 months, and 57% at 36 months. Brivaracetam was mostly discontinued due to side effects (38/75, 51%) or lack of efficacy (28/75, 37%). Concomitant use of carbamazepine significantly increased the hazard ratio of discontinuing BRV due to side effects (p = 0.006). The most commonly reported side effects were low mood (20.5%), fatigue (18%) and aggressive behavior (8.5%). These side effects were less prevalent than when the same individuals took LEV (low mood, 59%; aggressive behavior, 43%). Intellectual disability was a risk factor for behavioral side effects (p = 0.004), and a pre-existing mood disorder significantly increased the likelihood of further episodes of low mood (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Brivaracetam was effective at a broad range of doses in managing drug-resistant epilepsy across various phenotypes, but less effective than LEV in those who switched due to poor tolerability on LEV. There were no new tolerability issues, but 77% of the individuals experiencing side effects on BRV also experienced similar side effects on LEV.

010 Seizure semiology of frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE): a report of two cases with video-telemetry recordings

rowan

gurney1@nhs.net

30

The use of simultaneous stereo-electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography in localizing the epileptogenic focus in refractory focal epilepsy

Both magnetoencephalography and stereo-electroencephalography are used in presurgical epilepsy assessment, with contrasting advantages and limitations. It is not known whether simultaneous stereo-electroencephalography-magnetoencephalography recording confers an advantage over both individual modalities, in particular whether magnetoencephalography can provide spatial context to epileptiform activity seen on stereo-electroencephalography. Twenty-four adult and paediatric patients who underwent stereo-electroencephalography study for pre-surgical evaluation of drug-resistant focal epilepsy, were recorded using simultaneous stereo-electroencephalography-magnetoencephalography, of which 14 had abnormal interictal activity during recording. The 14 patients were divided into two groups; those with detected superficial (n = 7) and deep (n = 7) brain interictal activity. Interictal spikes were independently identified in stereo-electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography. Magnetoencephalography dipoles were derived using a distributed inverse method. There was no significant difference between stereo-electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography in detecting superficial spikes (P = 0.135) and stereo-electroencephalography was significantly better at detecting deep spikes (P = 0.002). Mean distance across patients between stereo-electroencephalography channel with highest average spike amplitude and magnetoencephalography dipole was 20.7 ± 4.4 mm. for superficial sources, and 17.8 ± 3.7 mm. for deep sources, even though for some of the latter (n = 4) no magnetoencephalography spikes were detected and magnetoencephalography dipole was fitted to a stereo-electroencephalography interictal activity triggered average. Removal of magnetoencephalography dipole was associated with 1 year seizure freedom in 6/7 patients with superficial source, and 5/6 patients with deep source. Although stereo-electroencephalography has greater sensitivity in identifying interictal activity from deeper sources, a magnetoencephalography source can be localized using stereo-electroencephalography information, thereby providing useful whole brain context to stereo-electroencephalography and potential role in epilepsy surgery planning.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of perampanel in people with epilepsy who have previously undergone resective surgery and/or implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator

About 30% of people with epilepsy (PWE) are drug-resistant. Those with focal seizures may be suitable for epilepsy surgery. Those not amenable to resective surgery can be considered for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). However, after operative procedures, around 50% of patients continue to experience seizures. A multi-center retrospective study assessing perampanel effectiveness and tolerability for PWE who have undergone surgical resection and/or VNS implantation was performed. The primary outcome was ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency while secondary outcomes included side effects (SEs), dose-related effectiveness, and toxicity. The median perampanel dose was 6 mg. Only one PWE became seizure free. A ≥50% decrease in seizure frequency was observed in 52.8% of the post-resection group and 16.9% of the VNS group (p < 0.001), while SEs were seen in 44.8% and 41.1%, respectively. Perampanel doses greater than 8 mg led to better response in both groups, especially in the post-VNS cohort. SEs were not dose-related and the safety profile was similar to previous observational studies. Perampanel can be beneficial in these two super-refractory epilepsy groups, particularly in PWE with seizures after surgical resection. Doses of more than 8 mg appear to be well tolerated and may be more effective than lower doses in PWE after surgical interventions.

Removal of Interictal MEG-Derived Network Hubs Is Associated With Postoperative Seizure Freedom

Objective: To investigate whether MEG network connectivity was associated with epilepsy duration, to identify functional brain network hubs in patients with refractory focal epilepsy, and assess if their surgical removal was associated with post-operative seizure freedom. Methods: We studied 31 patients with drug refractory focal epilepsy who underwent resting state magnetoencephalography (MEG), and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of pre-surgical evaluation. Using the structural MRI, we generated 114 cortical regions of interest, performed surface reconstruction and MEG source localization. Representative source localized signals for each region were correlated with each other to generate a functional brain network. We repeated this procedure across three randomly chosen one-minute epochs. Network hubs were defined as those with the highest intra-hemispheric mean correlations. Post-operative MRI identified regions that were surgically removed. Results: Greater mean MEG network connectivity was associated with a longer duration of epilepsy. Patients who were seizure free after surgery had more hubs surgically removed than patients who were not seizure free (AUC = 0.76, p = 0.01) consistently across three randomly chosen time segments. Conclusion: Our results support a growing literature implicating network hub involvement in focal epilepsy, the removal of which by surgery is associated with greater chance of post-operative seizure freedom.

Moyamoya and progressive myoclonic epilepsy secondary to CLN6 bi-allelic mutations - A previously unreported association

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a collection of lysosomal storage diseases characterised by the accumulation of characteristic inclusions containing lipofuscin in various tissues of the body and are one of the causes of progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Mutations in at least thirteen genes have been identified as causes of NCL, which can present as infantile, late-infantile, juvenile or adult forms. CLN6 codes for an endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein of unknown function. Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations of the gene are associated with both late-infantile (LINCL) and adult onset (ANCL) forms of NCL, including Kufs disease, comprising ANCL without associated visual loss. Moyamoya, a rare vasculopathy of the circle of Willis, has been reported in conjunction with a number of inflammatory and other diseases, as well as a handful of lysosomal storage diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Moyamoya in the context of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses or a CLN6-related disease.

The role of devices in managing risk

Over the last few years, there has been significant expansion of wearable technologies and devices into the health sector, including for conditions such as epilepsy. Although there is significant potential to benefit patients, there is a paucity of well-conducted scientific research in order to inform patients and healthcare providers of the most appropriate technology. In addition to either directly or indirectly identifying seizure activity, the ideal device should improve quality of life and reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Devices typically monitor a number of parameters including electroencephalographic (EEG), cardiac, and respiratory patterns and can detect movement, changes in skin conductance, and muscle activity. Multimodal devices are emerging with improved seizure detection rates and reduced false positive alarms. While convulsive seizures are reliably identified by most unimodal and multimodal devices, seizures associated with no, or minimal, movement are frequently undetected. The vast majority of current devices detect but do not actively intervene. At best, therefore, they indicate the presence of seizure activity in order to accurately ascertain true seizure frequency or facilitate intervention by others, which may, nevertheless, impact the rate of SUDEP. Future devices are likely to both detect and intervene within an autonomous closed-loop system tailored to the individual and by self-learning from the analysis of patient-specific parameters. The formulation of standards for regulatory bodies to validate seizure detection devices is also of paramount importance in order to confidently ascertain the performance of a device; and this will be facilitated by the creation of a large, open database containing multimodal annotated data in order to test device algorithms. This paper is for the Special Issue: Prevent 21: SUDEP Summit - Time to Listen.

Epilepsy surgery

Epilepsy surgery offers the chance of seizure remission for the 30%-40% of patients with focal epilepsy whose seizures continue despite anti-epileptic medications. Epilepsy surgery encompasses curative resective procedures, palliative techniques such as corpus callosotomy and implantation of stimulation devices. Pre-surgical evaluation aims to identify the epileptogenic zone and to prevent post-operative neurological and cognitive deficits. This entails optimal imaging, prolonged video-electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, and neuropsychological and psychiatric assessments; some patients may then require nuclear medicine imaging and intracranial EEG recording. The best outcomes are in those with an electro-clinically concordant structural lesion on MRI (60%-70% seizure freedom). Lower rates of seizure freedom are expected in people with extra-temporal lobe foci, focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, normal structural imaging, psychiatric co-morbidity and learning disability. Nevertheless, surgery for epilepsy is under-used and should be considered for all patients with refractory focal epilepsy in whom two or three anti-epileptic medications have been ineffective.

Neuropsychological outcomes following traumatic brain injury

This review examines the clinical and neuroradiological features of traumatic brain injury that are most frequently associated with persistent cognitive complaints. Neuropsychological outcomes do not depend solely on brain injury severity but result from a complex interplay between premorbid factors, the extent and nature of the underlying structural damage, the person's neuropsychological reserve and the impact of non-neurological factors in the recovery process. Brain injury severity is only one of these factors and has limited prognostic significance with respect to neuropsychological outcome. We examine the preinjury and postinjury factors that interact with the severity of a traumatic brain injury to shape outcome trajectories. We aim to provide a practical base on which to build discussions with the patient and their family about what to expect following injury and also to plan appropriate neurorehabilitation.

Diagnostic accuracy of interictal source imaging in presurgical epilepsy evaluation: A systematic review from the E-PILEPSY consortium

OBJECTIVE

Interictal high resolution (HR-) electric source imaging (ESI) and magnetic source imaging (MSI) are non-invasive tools to aid epileptogenic zone localization in epilepsy surgery candidates. We carried out a systematic review on the diagnostic accuracy and quality of evidence of these modalities.

METHODS

Embase, Pubmed and the Cochrane database were searched on 13 February 2017. Diagnostic accuracy studies taking post-surgical seizure outcome as reference standard were selected. Quality appraisal was based on the QUADAS-2 framework.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included: eight MSI (n = 267), three HR-ESI (n = 127) studies. None was free from bias. This mostly involved: selection of operated patients only, interference of source imaging with surgical decision, and exclusion of indeterminate results. Summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 82% (95% CI: 75-88%) and 53% (95% CI: 37-68%) for overall source imaging, with no statistical difference between MSI and HR-ESI. Specificity is higher when partially concordant results were included as non-concordant (p < 0.05). Inclusion of indeterminate test results as non-concordant lowered sensitivity (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Source imaging has a relatively high sensitivity but low specificity for identification of the epileptogenic zone.

SIGNIFICANCE

We need higher quality studies allowing unbiased test evaluation to determine the added value and diagnostic accuracy of source imaging in the presurgical workup of refractory focal epilepsy.

Development of forced normalisation psychosis with ethosuximide

A 50-year-old man with known multidrug resistant coexistent focal and generalised epilepsy was commenced on ethosuximide, with normalisation of his electroencephalogram and cessation of absence seizures. Within 3 weeks, he developed a rapidly worsening paranoid psychosis with visual and olfactory hallucinations. A month after the cessation of ethosuximide and concurrent treatment with olanzapine, his psychosis resolved and permitted reinitiation of ethosuximide at a lower dose without recurrence of psychotic symptoms.

From unwitnessed fatality to witnessed rescue: Nonpharmacologic interventions in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk reduction remains a critical aim in epilepsy care. To date, only aggressive medical and surgical efforts to control seizures have been demonstrated to be of benefit. Incomplete understanding of SUDEP mechanisms limits the development of more specific interventions. Periictal cardiorespiratory dysfunction is implicated in SUDEP; postictal electroencephalography (EEG) suppression, coma, and immobility may also play a role. Nocturnal supervision is protective against SUDEP, presumably by permitting intervention in the case of a life-threatening event. Resuscitative efforts were implemented promptly in near-SUDEP cases but delayed in SUDEP deaths in the Mortality in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Study (MORTEMUS) study. Nursing interventions--including repositioning, oral suctioning, and oxygen administration--reduce seizure duration, respiratory dysfunction, and EEG suppression in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), but have not been studied in outpatients. Cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillator devices may be of benefit in a few select individuals. A role for implantable neurostimulators has not yet been established. Seizure detection devices, including those that monitor generalized tonic-clonic seizure-associated movements or cardiorespiratory parameters, may provide a means to permit timely periictal intervention. However, these and other devices, such as antisuffocation pillows, have not been adequately investigated with respect to SUDEP prevention.

Current use of imaging and electromagnetic source localization procedures in epilepsy surgery centers across Europe

OBJECTIVE

In 2014 the European Union-funded E-PILEPSY project was launched to improve awareness of, and accessibility to, epilepsy surgery across Europe. We aimed to investigate the current use of neuroimaging, electromagnetic source localization, and imaging postprocessing procedures in participating centers.

METHODS

A survey on the clinical use of imaging, electromagnetic source localization, and postprocessing methods in epilepsy surgery candidates was distributed among the 25 centers of the consortium. A descriptive analysis was performed, and results were compared to existing guidelines and recommendations.

RESULTS

Response rate was 96%. Standard epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols are acquired at 3 Tesla by 15 centers and at 1.5 Tesla by 9 centers. Three centers perform 3T MRI only if indicated. Twenty-six different MRI sequences were reported. Six centers follow all guideline-recommended MRI sequences with the proposed slice orientation and slice thickness or voxel size. Additional sequences are used by 22 centers. MRI postprocessing methods are used in 16 centers. Interictal positron emission tomography (PET) is available in 22 centers; all using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Seventeen centers perform PET postprocessing. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used by 19 centers, of which 15 perform postprocessing. Four centers perform neither PET nor SPECT in children. Seven centers apply magnetoencephalography (MEG) source localization, and nine apply electroencephalography (EEG) source localization. Fourteen combinations of inverse methods and volume conduction models are used.

SIGNIFICANCE

We report a large variation in the presurgical diagnostic workup among epilepsy surgery centers across Europe. This diversity underscores the need for high-quality systematic reviews, evidence-based recommendations, and harmonization of available diagnostic presurgical methods.

Breathing difficulty in a middle-aged woman - a dangerous cause?

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a rare but treatable cause of apnoea.

Adverse effects and safety profile of perampanel: a review of pooled data

Quality of life is directly related to the number and severity of adverse effects, and a successful antiepileptic medication must demonstrate a good balance between efficacy and tolerability. Perampanel is a newly licensed antiepileptic medication for the adjunctive treatment of patients (age 12 and older) with partial epilepsy with or without secondary generalization. Safety endpoints in the three phase III trials (304, 305, and 306) included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital signs, clinical laboratory parameters, and electrocardiography studies (ECGs). The most common adverse drug reactions in patients receiving perampanel were dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nausea, and falls. Of particular concern to patients are cognitive and psychiatric side effects. Overall, depression and aggression were reported more frequently in patients taking perampanel, particularly at higher doses, than in patients taking placebo. TEAEs necessitated the withdrawal of perampanel in 99 patients (9.5%) and placebo in 21 patients (4.8%). Typically this was due to dizziness, convulsion, and somnolence. There were no clinically important changes or treatment group differences in vital signs, ECG measures, or biochemical or hematologic parameters. Weight increase of greater than 7% was seen in 14.6% of perampanel-treated patients versus 7.1% of placebo-treated patients. Overall, perampanel appears to be associated with a relatively low incidence of serious adverse effects, particularly at low doses, and the majority of TEAEs were mild or moderate in intensity. The incidence of predictable side effects, such as somnolence and dizziness, is seen more frequently at higher doses. Of importance is the greater rate of psychiatric side effects in patients treated with perampanel, principally, irritability and aggression, than with placebo. However, the rate of serious psychiatric TEAEs was low.