Pub Date : 2025-11-16DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.013
Sumika Ouchida , Armin Nikpour , Greg Fairbrother
Background
There are many comorbidities related to epilepsy that affect the quality of life of people with epilepsy (PWE); sexual dysfunction (SD) is one of them.
Aim
We conducted a review to identify gaps in the literature to estimate the size of the problem and examined sexual dysfunction types, factors associated with SD, epilepsy care management, and facilitators/barriers reported for treatment success/failure.
Method
We searched for articles on sexual dysfunction, sexual problems, sexual behaviour, and erectile dysfunction in relation to epilepsy. We searched research databases, including Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed, for articles written in English and published between 2000 and 2023.
Results
There is a high prevalence of SD in PWE, and multiple factors have been identified as being associated with SD. A range of validated questionnaire-based SD assessments is available. SD affects men and women differently. While several treatments and therapies are available to manage SD, there is limited evidence supporting their use for PWE. Healthcare professionals' lack of education relevant to SD affects their ability to treat PWE effectively.
Conclusion
Sexual problems are common in PWE. Healthcare providers should investigate drug-induced sexual problems as they can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Unfortunately, there are no established guidelines for treating sexual problems in epilepsy patients. More research is needed on treatments, and healthcare providers require additional education on SD-related issues to diagnose and effectively address these problems.
{"title":"Scoping review: Sexual dysfunction in people with epilepsy","authors":"Sumika Ouchida , Armin Nikpour , Greg Fairbrother","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There are many comorbidities related to epilepsy that affect the quality of life of people with epilepsy (PWE); sexual dysfunction (SD) is one of them.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>We conducted a review to identify gaps in the literature to estimate the size of the problem and examined sexual dysfunction types, factors associated with SD, epilepsy care management, and facilitators/barriers reported for treatment success/failure.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We searched for articles on sexual dysfunction, sexual problems, sexual behaviour, and erectile dysfunction in relation to epilepsy. We searched research databases, including Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed, for articles written in English and published between 2000 and 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There is a high prevalence of SD in PWE, and multiple factors have been identified as being associated with SD. A range of validated questionnaire-based SD assessments is available. SD affects men and women differently. While several treatments and therapies are available to manage SD, there is limited evidence supporting their use for PWE. Healthcare professionals' lack of education relevant to SD affects their ability to treat PWE effectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Sexual problems are common in PWE. Healthcare providers should investigate drug-induced sexual problems as they can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Unfortunately, there are no established guidelines for treating sexual problems in epilepsy patients. More research is needed on treatments, and healthcare providers require additional education on SD-related issues to diagnose and effectively address these problems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 54-69"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Seizures sparked by spironolactone: A case report","authors":"Mazieyar Azad , Thao Nguyen , Suparna Krishnaiengar , Katherine Zarroli","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.012","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 6-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145566015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To compare the efficacy, safety, and behavioral outcomes of brivaracetam with oxcarbazepine in children with self-limited focal epilepsies (SeLFEs).
Methods
This is an open-label pilot randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary referral center in India. 50 children aged 2–18 years with SeLFEs were enrolled. They were randomized (1:1) to receive either brivaracetam (intervention) or oxcarbazepine (control) for 6 months. The primary endpoint was seizure freedom at 6 months. The secondary end points included epilepsy severity assessment using the Early Childhood Epilepsy Severity Scale (E-Chess), behavioral evaluation with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and functional assessment via the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS). Safety outcomes and feasibility parameters were recorded.
Results
At 6 months, seizure freedom was similar in the intervention (92 %) and control (86 %) groups with similar median cumulative seizures (16 vs. 22, p = 0.37). Both groups showed within-group reductions in median E-Chess scores [baseline, 5 (IQR 5–7); at 6 months, 3 (IQR 3–3)] but no intergroup differences at 6 months. The group x time interaction was not significant (ß = 0.44, p = 0.26). The median VSMS scores were comparable in both control [95 (IQR 91.5–97) to 96 (IQR 93–97)] and intervention [96 (IQR 93.5–98) to 97 (IQR 95–99.5)] groups. No behavioral abnormalities were noted in any participant (CBCL, T < 60). One child in the oxcarbazepine group developed a skin rash requiring drug withdrawal; no adverse effects were reported in the brivaracetam group. The retention rate was high (96 %) with comparable safety and feasibility.
Conclusion
Brivaracetam and oxcarbazepine achieved similar rates of seizure freedom at 6 months without causing any clinically significant behavioral abnormalities in either group.
目的比较布瓦西坦与奥卡西平治疗儿童自限性局灶性癫痫的疗效、安全性和行为结局。方法:这是一项在印度三级转诊中心进行的开放标签试点随机对照试验,招募了50名2-18岁的自恋儿童。他们随机(1:1)接受布伐西坦(干预)或奥卡西平(对照)治疗6个月。主要终点是6个月时癫痫发作自由。次要终点包括使用早期儿童癫痫严重程度量表(E-Chess)进行癫痫严重程度评估,使用儿童行为检查表(CBCL)进行行为评估,以及通过Vineland社会成熟度量表(VSMS)进行功能评估。记录安全结果和可行性参数。结果6个月时,干预组(92%)和对照组(86%)的癫痫发作自由度相似,中位累积癫痫发作相似(16 vs. 22, p = 0.37)。两组均显示组内电子象棋分数中位数下降[基线,5 (IQR 5 - 7);6个月时,3 (IQR 3 - 3)],但6个月时各组间无差异。组x时间交互作用不显著(ß = 0.44, p = 0.26)。对照组[95 (IQR 91.5-97)至96 (IQR 93-97)]和干预组[96 (IQR 93.5-98)至97 (IQR 95 - 99.5)]的中位VSMS评分具有可比性。未发现任何参与者的行为异常(CBCL, T < 60)。奥卡西平组的一名儿童出现皮疹,需要停药;布瓦西坦组未见不良反应。保留率高(96%),安全性和可行性相当。结论布瓦西坦和奥卡西平在6个月时癫痫发作自由率相似,两组患者均未出现明显的临床行为异常。
{"title":"Brivaracetam vs. Oxcarbazepine in childhood self-limited focal epilepsies (BRAVO-SeLFEs): A pilot randomized controlled trial","authors":"Fathima Fasin , Ankit Kumar Meena , Saurabh Agarwal , Lokesh Saini , Sujatha Manjunathan , Tanu Gupta , Rahul Gupta , Ashwini Chityala , Jagdish Prasad Goyal , Naresh Nebhinani , Kuldeep Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To compare the efficacy, safety, and behavioral outcomes of brivaracetam with oxcarbazepine in children with self-limited focal epilepsies (SeLFEs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is an open-label pilot randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary referral center in India. 50 children aged 2–18 years with SeLFEs were enrolled. They were randomized (1:1) to receive either brivaracetam (intervention) or oxcarbazepine (control) for 6 months. The primary endpoint was seizure freedom at 6 months. The secondary end points included epilepsy severity assessment using the Early Childhood Epilepsy Severity Scale (E-Chess), behavioral evaluation with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and functional assessment via the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS). Safety outcomes and feasibility parameters were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At 6 months, seizure freedom was similar in the intervention (92 %) and control (86 %) groups with similar median cumulative seizures (16 vs. 22, <em>p</em> = 0.37). Both groups showed within-group reductions in median E-Chess scores [baseline, 5 (IQR 5–7); at 6 months, 3 (IQR 3–3)] but no intergroup differences at 6 months. The group x time interaction was not significant (<em>ß</em> = 0.44, <em>p</em> = 0.26). The median VSMS scores were comparable in both control [95 (IQR 91.5–97) to 96 (IQR 93–97)] and intervention [96 (IQR 93.5–98) to 97 (IQR 95–99.5)] groups. No behavioral abnormalities were noted in any participant (CBCL, <em>T</em> < 60). One child in the oxcarbazepine group developed a skin rash requiring drug withdrawal; no adverse effects were reported in the brivaracetam group. The retention rate was high (96 %) with comparable safety and feasibility.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Brivaracetam and oxcarbazepine achieved similar rates of seizure freedom at 6 months without causing any clinically significant behavioral abnormalities in either group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145537279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.010
Raman Sankar , Louis Ferrari , Marc Kamin
Antiseizure medications have varied effects on neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels in the brain, yet how these mechanisms of action (MoAs) translate to clinical efficacy is not well understood. Cenobamate, a tetrazole alkyl carbamate antiseizure medication (ASM), has a dual MoA: preferential inhibition of the persistent sodium current (INaP) while sparing the transient sodium current (INaT), combined with extrasynaptic tonic inhibition mediated by positive allosteric modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. In preclinical studies, cenobamate demonstrated broad-spectrum activity across various animal models of focal and generalized seizures. In clinical trials, cenobamate demonstrated rates of seizure freedom not observed with other voltage-gated sodium channel blockers (SCBs), whose main MoA involves modulating INaT or GABAA. In addition, real-world evidence suggests cenobamate may have efficacy in adult Dravet syndrome, a loss-of-function sodium channelopathy typically aggravated by SCBs. Cenobamate’s selectivity for INaP occurs at therapeutic concentrations, a characteristic seemingly unique among ASMs. Moreover, cenobamate preferentially modulates tonic (extrasynaptic) currents over phasic (synaptic) GABAA currents. These combined mechanistic effects may represent an emerging class of ASMs and could explain cenobamate’s broad-spectrum effect in animal seizure models and its efficacy for focal seizures in humans. In this review, we examine how cenobamate interacts with sodium currents and GABA receptor physiology and review cenobamate’s efficacy profile in humans. Finally, we will postulate how specific aspects of cenobamate’s dual MoA may contribute to its efficacy in comparison to other ASMs with similar MoAs.
{"title":"Exploration of the mechanism of action of cenobamate","authors":"Raman Sankar , Louis Ferrari , Marc Kamin","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antiseizure medications have varied effects on neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels in the brain, yet how these mechanisms of action (MoAs) translate to clinical efficacy is not well understood. Cenobamate, a tetrazole alkyl carbamate antiseizure medication (ASM), has a dual MoA: preferential inhibition of the persistent sodium current (I<sub>NaP</sub>) while sparing the transient sodium current (I<sub>NaT</sub>), combined with extrasynaptic tonic inhibition mediated by positive allosteric modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA<sub>A</sub>) receptors. In preclinical studies, cenobamate demonstrated broad-spectrum activity across various animal models of focal and generalized seizures. In clinical trials, cenobamate demonstrated rates of seizure freedom not observed with other voltage-gated sodium channel blockers (SCBs), whose main MoA involves modulating I<sub>NaT</sub> or GABA<sub>A</sub>. In addition, real-world evidence suggests cenobamate may have efficacy in adult Dravet syndrome, a loss-of-function sodium channelopathy typically aggravated by SCBs. Cenobamate’s selectivity for I<sub>NaP</sub> occurs at therapeutic concentrations, a characteristic seemingly unique among ASMs. Moreover, cenobamate preferentially modulates tonic (extrasynaptic) currents over phasic (synaptic) GABA<sub>A</sub> currents. These combined mechanistic effects may represent an emerging class of ASMs and could explain cenobamate’s broad-spectrum effect in animal seizure models and its efficacy for focal seizures in humans. In this review, we examine how cenobamate interacts with sodium currents and GABA receptor physiology and review cenobamate’s efficacy profile in humans. Finally, we will postulate how specific aspects of cenobamate’s dual MoA may contribute to its efficacy in comparison to other ASMs with similar MoAs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 79-85"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145597982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.009
Arron S Lacey , Carys B Jones , Christopher J Weir , Jacqueline Stephen , William Owen Pickrell , Richard F Chin
Background
Children with epilepsy may have poorer educational outcomes—this may not be true for all epilepsy syndromes. We investigate educational attainment of children with Self-Limited Epilepsy with CentroTemporal Spikes (SELECTS) in Wales.
Method
A retrospective cohort study using routinely-collected data for children in Wales. We used primary care diagnosis codes to identify children (0–16 years) with SELECTS, other epilepsies, and children without epilepsy (comparators). We linked these records to Key Stage (KS) 2, 3 and 4 (ages 11,14, and 16) national educational test results (2003–2021). We performed logistic regression to analyse attainment (proportion achieving required attainment) in children with SELECTS, other epilepsies, and comparators.
Results
At KS 2,3 and 4: 101,92 and 81 children with SELECTS were matched to 299,274 and 243 children with other epilepsies and comparators. A lower proportion of the SELECTS and other epilepsies groups achieved required attainment than the comparators across all key stages.
After adjusting for sex, deprivation, year of study and Anti-Seizure Medications (ASM), children with SELECTS had similar achievement to comparators in KS2 and KS3:adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR,[95 %CI]) for achieving requirement:KS2:aOR=0.97[0.87–1.09];KS3:aOR=0.99[0.88–1.10]; but slightly reduced KS4 achievement:aOR=0.89,[0.80–1.00]. Children with other epilepsies were significantly less likely to achieve the requirement than comparators:KS2:aOR=0.79[0.72–0.87], KS3:aOR=0.78[0.71–0.86],KS4:aOR=0.72[0.65–0.80].
Conclusions
There was a trend for poorer educational achievement for children with SELECTS at KS4; this was only borderline statistically significant in the adjusted model. Children with other epilepsies had an increased risk of poorer attainment across all ages when compared to children without epilepsy.
{"title":"Educational attainment of children with self-limited epilepsy with CentroTemporal spikes (SELECTS), other epilepsies, and without epilepsy: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Arron S Lacey , Carys B Jones , Christopher J Weir , Jacqueline Stephen , William Owen Pickrell , Richard F Chin","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Children with epilepsy may have poorer educational outcomes—this may not be true for all epilepsy syndromes. We investigate educational attainment of children with Self-Limited Epilepsy with CentroTemporal Spikes (SELECTS) in Wales.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study using routinely-collected data for children in Wales. We used primary care diagnosis codes to identify children (0–16 years) with SELECTS, other epilepsies, and children without epilepsy (comparators). We linked these records to Key Stage (KS) 2, 3 and 4 (ages 11,14, and 16) national educational test results (2003–2021). We performed logistic regression to analyse attainment (proportion achieving required attainment) in children with SELECTS, other epilepsies, and comparators.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At KS 2,3 and 4: 101,92 and 81 children with SELECTS were matched to 299,274 and 243 children with other epilepsies and comparators. A lower proportion of the SELECTS and other epilepsies groups achieved required attainment than the comparators across all key stages.</div><div>After adjusting for sex, deprivation, year of study and Anti-Seizure Medications (ASM), children with SELECTS had similar achievement to comparators in KS2 and KS3:adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR,[95 %CI]) for achieving requirement:KS2:aOR=0.97[0.87–1.09];KS3:aOR=0.99[0.88–1.10]; but slightly reduced KS4 achievement:aOR=0.89,[0.80–1.00]. Children with other epilepsies were significantly less likely to achieve the requirement than comparators:KS2:aOR=0.79[0.72–0.87], KS3:aOR=0.78[0.71–0.86],KS4:aOR=0.72[0.65–0.80].</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>There was a trend for poorer educational achievement for children with SELECTS at KS4; this was only borderline statistically significant in the adjusted model. Children with other epilepsies had an increased risk of poorer attainment across all ages when compared to children without epilepsy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 134-138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Developmental and Epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep (D/EE-SWAS) is a rare and severe childhood epilepsy syndrome often associated with cognitive and language regression. While the ketogenic diet has shown efficacy in drug-resistant epilepsy, its role in D/EE-SWAS remains inadequately studied. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the modified Atkins diet (MAD) in children with D/EE-SWAS refractory to standard therapies.
Methods
This was a single-arm, prospective interventional study conducted at a tertiary pediatric neurology unit from January 2022 to June 2023. Children aged 2–16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of D/EE-SWAS, with SWI ≥50 % during NREM sleep on EEG, and clinical evidence of seizure or neurodevelopmental regression despite treatment with at least two ASMs and corticosteroids were enrolled. The primary outcome was the change in SWI at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included seizure burden, cognitive outcomes (social quotient), and parent-reported language and behaviour changes at 24 weeks.
Results
Twenty-two children were enrolled; 10 completed 12 weeks and five completed 24 weeks of MAD. At 12 weeks, only 33 % showed a good EEG response (>50 % SWI reduction); one child achieved complete resolution at 24 weeks. Seizure remission (including maintenance of remission in those with no clinical seizures) was observed in 82 %, 90 %, and 100 % at 4, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively. No significant change in cognitive scores was seen. However, 60 % and 40 % of parents reported improvements in language and behaviour. Adverse effects were mostly mild, and compliance was a major barrier, with 54 % discontinuing the diet before 12 weeks.
Conclusion
The MAD was safe but not effective in the treatment of D/EE-SWAS in the short-term, with improvements only seen in seizure control. Its impact on EEG and cognition appears limited in the short-term and poor adherence poses significant challenges.
{"title":"Modified atkins diet in children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep (D/EE-SWAS): A prospective interventional, non-randomized, single-arm study","authors":"Shagun Singh , Arushi Gahlot Saini , Deepika Puri , Smita Pattanaik , Rajni Sharma , Prahbhjot Malhi , Renu Suthar , Jitendra K Sahu , Naveen Sankhyan","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Developmental and Epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep (D/EE-SWAS) is a rare and severe childhood epilepsy syndrome often associated with cognitive and language regression. While the ketogenic diet has shown efficacy in drug-resistant epilepsy, its role in D/EE-SWAS remains inadequately studied. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the modified Atkins diet (MAD) in children with D/EE-SWAS refractory to standard therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a single-arm, prospective interventional study conducted at a tertiary pediatric neurology unit from January 2022 to June 2023. Children aged 2–16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of D/EE-SWAS, with SWI ≥50 % during NREM sleep on EEG, and clinical evidence of seizure or neurodevelopmental regression despite treatment with at least two ASMs and corticosteroids were enrolled. The primary outcome was the change in SWI at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included seizure burden, cognitive outcomes (social quotient), and parent-reported language and behaviour changes at 24 weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-two children were enrolled; 10 completed 12 weeks and five completed 24 weeks of MAD. At 12 weeks, only 33 % showed a good EEG response (>50 % SWI reduction); one child achieved complete resolution at 24 weeks. Seizure remission (including maintenance of remission in those with no clinical seizures) was observed in 82 %, 90 %, and 100 % at 4, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively. No significant change in cognitive scores was seen. However, 60 % and 40 % of parents reported improvements in language and behaviour. Adverse effects were mostly mild, and compliance was a major barrier, with 54 % discontinuing the diet before 12 weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The MAD was safe but not effective in the treatment of D/EE-SWAS in the short-term, with improvements only seen in seizure control. Its impact on EEG and cognition appears limited in the short-term and poor adherence poses significant challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 37-44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.008
Gianni Cutillo , Guido Bonelli , Martina Rubin , Giordano Cecchetti , Jacopo Lanzone , Davide G. Curti , Anna Bellini , Giovanna F. Fanelli , Massimo Filippi
Background
Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) are unusual MRI findings in epilepsy patients, often related to sudden anti-seizure medication (ASM) discontinuation or seizures. We reviewed the data of patients with epilepsy and/or under ASMs who developed CLOCCs, defining their clinical course focusing on therapies and intercurrent seizures.
Methods
A systematic review was performed including articles reporting on adult and pediatric patients who developed a CLOCC following ASMs modification and/or related to epilepsy.
Results
80 patients from 45 studies were included (44 females), 19 (24%) pediatric patients and 61 (76%) adults. 86% lesions were classified as Starkey A. CLOCCs were related to ASM withdrawal in 27 (34%) patients, seizure activity in 23 (29%), seizure activity with concomitant ASM variation in 18 (23%), ASM initiation in 5 (6%), ASM switch in 3 (4%) cases. The most frequent ASMs used in the sample were carbamazepine (30), phenytoin (14) and lamotrigine (13) however, non-sodium-channel blockers, e.g., levetiracetam (9) and valproate (8) were reported. CLOCCS regressed in a median time of 15 days (interquartile range [IQR]=14-25) in pediatric patients and 42 days (IQR=28-120) in adults (p<0.01).
Conclusion
CLOCCS are associated to sudden ASM modification or seizures. Regression time may vary widely and seems to be faster in children; moreover, non-sodium channel blockers are an increasingly recognized association.
{"title":"Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum related to epilepsy or anti-seizure medications: a systematic review","authors":"Gianni Cutillo , Guido Bonelli , Martina Rubin , Giordano Cecchetti , Jacopo Lanzone , Davide G. Curti , Anna Bellini , Giovanna F. Fanelli , Massimo Filippi","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) are unusual MRI findings in epilepsy patients, often related to sudden anti-seizure medication (ASM) discontinuation or seizures. We reviewed the data of patients with epilepsy and/or under ASMs who developed CLOCCs, defining their clinical course focusing on therapies and intercurrent seizures.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was performed including articles reporting on adult and pediatric patients who developed a CLOCC following ASMs modification and/or related to epilepsy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>80 patients from 45 studies were included (44 females), 19 (24%) pediatric patients and 61 (76%) adults. 86% lesions were classified as Starkey A. CLOCCs were related to ASM withdrawal in 27 (34%) patients, seizure activity in 23 (29%), seizure activity with concomitant ASM variation in 18 (23%), ASM initiation in 5 (6%), ASM switch in 3 (4%) cases. The most frequent ASMs used in the sample were carbamazepine (30), phenytoin (14) and lamotrigine (13) however, non-sodium-channel blockers, e.g., levetiracetam (9) and valproate (8) were reported. CLOCCS regressed in a median time of 15 days (interquartile range [IQR]=14-25) in pediatric patients and 42 days (IQR=28-120) in adults (p<0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CLOCCS are associated to sudden ASM modification or seizures. Regression time may vary widely and seems to be faster in children; moreover, non-sodium channel blockers are an increasingly recognized association.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"133 ","pages":"Pages 261-267"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145520669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.005
Kara Goetz , Jakob I. Doerrfuss , Martin Holtkamp , Bernd J. Vorderwülbecke
Background: In patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy, minimally invasive sphenoidal electrodes can enhance presurgical video-EEG monitoring. Placed into the infratemporal fossa, these electrodes record EEG activity from the mesial temporal lobe. We hypothesized that inclusion of the signal from sphenoidal electrodes would improve the diagnostic sensitivity of ictal EEG source localization (ESL).
Methods: We retrospectively included patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy, presurgical low-density EEG including bilateral sphenoidal electrodes, subsequent resective surgery and favorable 1-year seizure outcome (ILAE class 1-2). Per seizure, ESL was conducted separately with vs. without signals from sphenoidal electrodes. Source maxima were compared to the resected zone. For comparison with the literature, we added a univariate random-effects meta-analysis of previous ictal ESL studies.
Results: ESL was applied to 184 seizures of 42 patients (39 with anterior temporal lobe epilepsy). At seizure level, ESL with vs. without sphenoidal electrodes achieved diagnostic sensitivities of 68 % (95 %-CI: 61–75 %) vs. 46 % (39–53 %; p < 0.001). Patient-level diagnostic sensitivity was 50 % (35–65 %) vs. 19 % (7–31 %; p = 0.002). The meta-analysis of ten studies on 233 patients resulted in a patient-level summary sensitivity of 68 % (44–84 %) albeit with substantial heterogeneity (I2=0.689).
Conclusions: As a proof of principle, sphenoidal electrodes significantly improved the diagnostic sensitivity of ictal ESL in absence of subtemporal scalp electrodes. Previous studies on ictal ESL yielded substantially heterogenous results, depending on their specific methodology. In presurgical epilepsy cases evaluated with both sphenoidal electrodes and ictal ESL, both techniques should be combined as presented here.
{"title":"Minimally invasive ictal EEG source localization including sphenoidal electrodes – a retrospective study and a meta-analysis","authors":"Kara Goetz , Jakob I. Doerrfuss , Martin Holtkamp , Bernd J. Vorderwülbecke","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><u>Background:</u> In patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy, minimally invasive sphenoidal electrodes can enhance presurgical video-EEG monitoring. Placed into the infratemporal fossa, these electrodes record EEG activity from the mesial temporal lobe. We hypothesized that inclusion of the signal from sphenoidal electrodes would improve the diagnostic sensitivity of ictal EEG source localization (ESL).</div><div><u>Methods:</u> We retrospectively included patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy, presurgical low-density EEG including bilateral sphenoidal electrodes, subsequent resective surgery and favorable 1-year seizure outcome (ILAE class 1-2). Per seizure, ESL was conducted separately with vs. without signals from sphenoidal electrodes. Source maxima were compared to the resected zone. For comparison with the literature, we added a univariate random-effects meta-analysis of previous ictal ESL studies.</div><div><u>Results:</u> ESL was applied to 184 seizures of 42 patients (39 with anterior temporal lobe epilepsy). At seizure level, ESL with vs. without sphenoidal electrodes achieved diagnostic sensitivities of 68 % (95 %-CI: 61–75 %) vs. 46 % (39–53 %; <em>p</em> < 0.001). Patient-level diagnostic sensitivity was 50 % (35–65 %) vs. 19 % (7–31 %; <em>p</em> = 0.002). The meta-analysis of ten studies on 233 patients resulted in a patient-level summary sensitivity of 68 % (44–84 %) albeit with substantial heterogeneity (I<sup>2</sup>=0.689).</div><div><u>Conclusions:</u> As a proof of principle, sphenoidal electrodes significantly improved the diagnostic sensitivity of ictal ESL in absence of subtemporal scalp electrodes. Previous studies on ictal ESL yielded substantially heterogenous results, depending on their specific methodology. In presurgical epilepsy cases evaluated with both sphenoidal electrodes and ictal ESL, both techniques should be combined as presented here.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 45-53"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.006
Yuming Li , Peiwen Liu , Qiuxing Lin , Wei Li , Yingying Zhang , Xiuli Li , Danyang Cao , Xiang Huang , Kailing Huang , Qiyong Gong , Dong Zhou , Dongmei An
Objectives
While ipsilateral temporopolar blurring (TPB) has been associated with white matter degeneration in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS), its influence within the large-scale neural networks remains unclear. This study investigates the network-level topological alterations associated with TPB through multilayer network analysis.
Methods
This retrospective study investigated the impact of TPB on topological architecture of structural (SCN) and functional connectivity networks (FCN) in patients with TLE-HS using graph theory analysis. We further calculated the weighted multiplex participation coefficient (wMxP) to quantify the SCN-FCN interaction in a multiplex connectome.
Results
In total, 105 patients with TLE-HS (60 TPB+; 45 TPB-) and 61 healthy controls were enrolled. We found similar global network organization but altered nodal topological properties between TPB+ and TPB- in single-layer analysis, predominantly across the default mode network, visual network, and subcortical ROIs. Additionally, TPB+ showed decreased average wMxP (t(df=97) = -2.265, p < 2.2e-16) and lower nodal wMxP in default mode network and ipsilateral thalamus (t(df=97)=-2.404, pfwer=0.0408) than those in TPB-.
Conclusions
We demonstrate that disrupted topological architecture associated with TPB in TLE-HS were primarily and locally distributed in brain regions with rich connections to the temporal pole. The dissociation between SN and FN may indicate compensatory functional adjustments in TLE.
虽然同侧颞极模糊(TPB)与颞叶癫痫合并海马硬化(TLE-HS)的白质变性有关,但其在大规模神经网络中的影响尚不清楚。本研究通过多层网络分析探讨了与TPB相关的网络级拓扑变化。方法回顾性研究TPB对TLE-HS患者结构(SCN)和功能连接网络(FCN)拓扑结构的影响。我们进一步计算加权多路参与系数(wMxP)来量化多路连接组中SCN-FCN的相互作用。结果共纳入105例TLE-HS患者(TPB+ 60例,TPB- 45例)和61例健康对照。在单层分析中,我们发现TPB+和TPB-之间的全局网络组织相似,但节点拓扑特性发生了变化,主要分布在默认模式网络、视觉网络和皮层下roi中。与TPB-相比,TPB+组平均wMxP降低(t(df=97)=- 2.265, p < 2.2e-16),默认模式网络和同侧丘脑节点wMxP降低(t(df=97)=-2.404, pfwer=0.0408)。结论与TPB相关的拓扑结构紊乱主要和局部分布于与颞极有丰富连接的脑区。SN和FN之间的分离可能表明TLE的代偿功能调节。
{"title":"The structure-function dissociation in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with temporopolar blurring","authors":"Yuming Li , Peiwen Liu , Qiuxing Lin , Wei Li , Yingying Zhang , Xiuli Li , Danyang Cao , Xiang Huang , Kailing Huang , Qiyong Gong , Dong Zhou , Dongmei An","doi":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seizure.2025.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>While ipsilateral temporopolar blurring (TPB) has been associated with white matter degeneration in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS), its influence within the large-scale neural networks remains unclear. This study investigates the network-level topological alterations associated with TPB through multilayer network analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study investigated the impact of TPB on topological architecture of structural (SCN) and functional connectivity networks (FCN) in patients with TLE-HS using graph theory analysis. We further calculated the weighted multiplex participation coefficient (wMxP) to quantify the SCN-FCN interaction in a multiplex connectome.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 105 patients with TLE-HS (60 TPB+; 45 TPB-) and 61 healthy controls were enrolled. We found similar global network organization but altered nodal topological properties between TPB+ and TPB- in single-layer analysis, predominantly across the default mode network, visual network, and subcortical ROIs. Additionally, TPB+ showed decreased average wMxP (t(df=97) = -2.265, <em>p</em> < 2.2e-16) and lower nodal wMxP in default mode network and ipsilateral thalamus (t(df=97)=-2.404, p<sub>fwer</sub>=0.0408) than those in TPB-.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We demonstrate that disrupted topological architecture associated with TPB in TLE-HS were primarily and locally distributed in brain regions with rich connections to the temporal pole. The dissociation between SN and FN may indicate compensatory functional adjustments in TLE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49552,"journal":{"name":"Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy","volume":"134 ","pages":"Pages 70-78"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}