Effect of cranial irradiation on seizure frequency in adults with low-grade astrocytoma and medically intractable epilepsy

Neurology ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 1599-1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. Rogers ◽  
H. H. Morris ◽  
K. Lupica
Keyword(s):  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Cranial Irradiation ◽  
Low Grade

Impact of temozolomide chemotherapy on seizure frequency in patients with low-grade gliomas

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1617-1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Sherman ◽  
Krisztina Moldovan ◽  
H. Kwang Yeoh ◽  
Robert M. Starke ◽  
Nader Pouratian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiepileptic Drug ◽  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Significant Difference

Object Seizures occur in approximately 80% of patients with low-grade gliomas (LGGs). The majority of patients are treated with anticonvulsant monotherapy; however, many patients require multidrug therapy, or their seizures are refractory to antiepileptic drugs altogether. The oral alkylating agent temozolomide has emerged as a potential initial treatment option for LGG. A few reports suggest an association between temozolomide and reduced seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy. Methods Using their clinical database, the authors identified adult patients whose LGGs were treated using temozolomide as the initial antineoplastic therapy at the University of Virginia Health System. As a control group, the authors assessed patients whose LGGs were under observation. All patients had seizure disorders that were treated with anticonvulsants. Seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy was analyzed before and after treatment with temozolomide. Age at diagnosis, sex, antiepileptic drugs, pathological subtype, surgical treatment, and follow-up until progression were also assessed. Interval seizure frequency was meticulously analyzed at each neurooncology clinic visit. A meaningful difference in seizures was defined as a reduction in seizure frequency of greater than 50% per month. Results Thirty-nine patients were identified in the temozolomide cohort and 30 patients in the control cohort. The median age at diagnosis was 46 years for the former cohort and 41.5 years for the latter. The median length of follow-up was 39 months for the temozolomide group and 37 months for the control group. There was a significant difference in reduced seizure frequency between patients receiving temozolomide (59%) and those who did not receive temozolomide (13%, p < 0.001). Seven patients (18%) in the temozolomide group displayed this improvement independent of antiepileptic drug adjustment compared with no patient in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions The authors' data suggest that a subset of patients with LGGs experience improvement in seizure frequency during treatment with temozolomide independent of antiepileptic drug adjustment. This decrease in seizure frequency appears independent of the natural history of seizures in patients whose tumors are under observation. Consequently, seizures in patients with LGGs may be better controlled with the combination of AEDs and temozolomide.

scholarly journals Evidence for cannabis and cannabinoids for epilepsy: a systematic review of controlled and observational evidence

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (7) ◽  
pp. 741-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Stockings ◽  
Dino Zagic ◽  
Gabrielle Campbell ◽  
Megan Weier ◽  
Wayne D Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Seizure Reduction ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Review evidence for cannabinoids as adjunctive treatments for treatment-resistant epilepsy. Systematic search of Medline, Embase and PsycINFO was conducted in October 2017. Outcomes were: 50%+ seizure reduction, complete seizure freedom; improved quality of life (QoL). Tolerability/safety were assessed by study withdrawals, adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Analyses were conducted in Stata V.15.0. 36 studies were identified: 6 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 30 observational studies. Mean age of participants was 16.1 years (range 0.5–55 years). Cannabidiol (CBD) 20 mg/kg/day was more effective than placebo at reducing seizure frequency by 50%+(relative risk (RR) 1.74, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.43, 2 RCTs, 291 patients, low Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) rating). The number needed to treat for one person using CBD to experience 50%+ seizure reduction was 8 (95% CI 6 to 17). CBD was more effective than placebo at achieving complete seizure freedom (RR 6.17, 95% CI 1.50 to 25.32, 3 RCTs, 306 patients, low GRADE rating), and improving QoL (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.26), however increased risk of AEs (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.36) and SAEs (RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.38). Pooled across 17 observational studies, 48.5% (95% CI 39.0% to 58.1%) of patients reported 50%+ reductions in seizures; in 14 observational studies 8.5% (95% CI 3.8% to 14.5%) were seizure-free. Twelve observational studies reported improved QoL (55.8%, 95% CI 40.5 to 70.6); 50.6% (95% CI 31.7 to 69.4) AEs and 2.2% (95% CI 0 to 7.9) SAEs. Pharmaceutical-grade CBD as adjuvant treatment in paediatric-onset drug-resistant epilepsy may reduce seizure frequency. Existing RCT evidence is mostly in paediatric samples with rare and severe epilepsy syndromes; RCTs examining other syndromes and cannabinoids are needed.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017055412.

scholarly journals Survival and Seizure Control have improved for Adult Low-Grade Gliomas over the last eleven years

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv4-iv4
Author(s):  
Matt Solomons ◽  
Rimona Weil ◽  
Zane Jaunmuktan ◽  
Tedani El-Hassan ◽  
Sebastian Brandner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seizure Control ◽  
Molecular Subtype ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Tumour Location ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background There has been a trend towards earlier and more aggressive resection for adult Low-Grade Gliomas (LGG) in the last decade. This study set out to compare seizure control and survival of unselected adults with LGG seen in the same neuro-oncology clinic over 11 years and to determine if a change in surgical philosophy has led to a corresponding improvement in outcomes. Methods Retrospective analysis using case-note review of 153 adults with histologically verified or radiologically suspected LGG, collecting data on patient, tumour and seizure characteristics in 2006 and 2017. Results We studied 79 patients in 2006 and 74 patients in 2017. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age at presentation, tumour location or histological or molecular subtype. The numbers of complete or partial resections increased from 21.5 % in 2006 to 60.8% in 2017 (p<0.05). There was a highly significant improvement in 5- and 10-year survival from 81.8% and 51.7% in 2006 to 100% and 95.8% in 2017 (p<0.001); and a similar improvement was seen in progression free survival. The proportion of patients with intractable epilepsy reduced from 72.2% in 2006 to 43.2% in 2017 (p<0.05). The neurosurgical morbidity rate was identical in both groups (11.8% in 2006 vs 11.1% in 2017). Conclusion Increasing use of surgery for LGG over the last eleven years has led to substantial improvements in survival and seizure control but not at the cost of long-term morbidity.

scholarly journals Patient-assessed satisfaction and outcome after microsurgical resection of cavernomas causing epilepsy

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. E16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie J. Van Gompel ◽  
W. Richard Marsh ◽  
Fredric B. Meyer ◽  
Gregory A. Worrell
Keyword(s):  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Intractable Seizures ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Age At Surgery ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Microsurgical Resection

Object Microsurgical resection of supratentorial cavernomas associated with intractable epilepsy is performed frequently. Despite its common occurrence, little is known about patient perceptions of microsurgical resection for cavernomas. This survey study was performed to investigate patient perceived outcome after surgery for cavernomas associated with intractable epilepsy. Methods The authors' surgical database was searched for cavernoma resection performed between 1971 and July of 2006. Of the initial 173 patients identified, 102 met criteria for medically intractable seizures. These 102 patients were then mailed a survey to determine follow-up and patient satisfaction. Thirty-nine surveys were returned as undeliverable, and 30 (48%) of the remaining 63 patients responded. Results The average age at surgery for patients responding to this survey was 40 ± 16 years compared with 35 ± 15 years for all 102 patients. At prolonged follow-up, 87% of patients reported being seizure-free. Of those with seizures, 2 (7%) reported being nearly seizure-free (rare disabling seizures), 2 (7%) believed they had a worthwhile improvement in seizure frequency, and no patient (0%) in this series believed they did not have a worthwhile improvement in seizure frequency. Ninety percent of responders stated they definitely, and 10% probably, would have surgery again. No patient responded that they probably or definitely would not have epilepsy surgery. Mean clinical follow-up was 36 ± 8 months and survey follow-up was 97 ± 13 months for these 30 patients. Use of the mail-in survey increased follow-up length 2.7 times longer compared with clinical follow-up. Conclusions It is clear from this select group of survey responders that patients undergoing surgery for cavernomas associated with medically intractable epilepsy are happy they underwent surgery (100%) and had excellent surgical outcomes (87% seizure-free) at prolonged follow-up of 97 ± 13 months. These survey results support that microsurgical resection for cavernomas is highly effective and significantly improves these patients' quality of life.

scholarly journals Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) From Tuberculoma; Microneurosurgical Management of by Amygdalohippocampectomy with Lesionectomy Plus Standard Anterior Temporal lobectomy: A Case Report and Short Review of Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-109
Author(s):  
Forhad Hossain Chowdhury ◽  
Mohammod Raziul Haque ◽  
AFM Momtazul Haque
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy ◽  
Temporal Lobe ◽  
Medial Temporal Lobe ◽  
Venous Malformation ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Complex Partial Seizure ◽  
Temporal Lobectomy ◽  
Mesial Temporal Sclerosis ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Presenting Symptoms

Patient presenting as a case of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) are usually resistant to antiepileptic drugs and surgery is the treatment of choice. This type of epilepsy may be due to Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (MTS), tumors [i.e. low grade glioma, Arterio-venous Malformation (AVM) etc], trauma, infection (Tuberculosis) etc. Here we report a case of surgically treated TLE that was due to a large tuberculoma in medial temporal lobe. Intractable epilepsy caused by tuberculoma is rare. The only presenting symptoms was Complex partial seizure (Psychomotor epilepsy) for which the patient underwent scalp EEG (Electro Encephalography) and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of brain. The patient was managed by amygdalohippocampectomy with lesionectomy plus standard anterior lobectomy. Postoperatively she was on anti-tubercular therapy and on carbamazepine. The case was seizure and disease free till last follow up. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2012) Vol. 16 (2) : 106-109

P6-1 Effect of vagus nerve stimulation on EEG and seizure frequency in children with intractable epilepsy

2010 ◽  
Vol 121 ◽  
pp. S134
Author(s):  
B. Unay ◽  
E. Erdogan ◽  
S. Vurucu ◽  
Z. Gokcil ◽  
N. Bulakbasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy

Reoperative Hemispherectomy for Intractable Epilepsy

Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumeet Vadera ◽  
Ahsan N.V. Moosa ◽  
Lara Jehi ◽  
Ajay Gupta ◽  
Prakash Kotagal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Cleveland Clinic ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Cortical Dysplasia ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Functional Hemispherectomy

Abstract BACKGROUND: In patients with medically intractable epilepsy and diffuse unilateral hemispheric disease, functional or disconnective hemispherectomy is a widely accepted and successful treatment option. If recurrent seizures develop after disconnective hemispherectomy, management options become more complex and include conversion to anatomic hemispherectomy. OBJECTIVE: To present the outcomes of all patients undergoing reoperative hemispherectomy in 1 institution by 1 surgeon since 1998. METHODS: The medical records, operative reports, and imaging studies for 36 patients undergoing reoperative hemispherectomy for continuing medically intractable epilepsy from 1998 to 2011 at Cleveland Clinic were reviewed. Patient characteristics, cause of seizure, imaging findings, surgery-related complications, and long-term seizure outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients presented with a variety of seizure origins, including Rasmussen encephalitis, perinatal infarction, cortical dysplasia, and hemimegalencephaly. Overall, 19% of patients were seizure free after conversion to anatomic hemispherectomy, and 45% reported a decrease in seizure frequency by ≥ 90%. An additional 36% reported no improvement. Generalized ictal electroencephalography tended to confer a poorer prognosis, as did cortical dysplasia as the underlying diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The possibility that residual epileptogenic tissue in the operated hemisphere remains connected should be considered after failed functional hemispherectomy because our data suggest that improvement in seizure frequency is possible after reoperative hemispherectomy, although the chance of obtaining seizure freedom is relatively low. The decision to proceed with reoperative hemispherectomy should be made after proper discussion with the patient and family and informed consent is given.

scholarly journals Rates and Predictors of Seizure Freedom With Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Intractable Epilepsy

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dario J. Englot ◽  
John D. Rolston ◽  
Clinton W. Wright ◽  
Kevin H. Hassnain ◽  
Edward F. Chang
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Seizure Type ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Outcome Registry ◽  
Over Time

AbstractBACKGROUND:Neuromodulation-based treatments have become increasingly important in epilepsy treatment. Most patients with epilepsy treated with neuromodulation do not achieve complete seizure freedom, and, therefore, previous studies of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy have focused instead on reduction of seizure frequency as a measure of treatment response.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate rates and predictors of seizure freedom with VNS.METHODS:We examined 5554 patients from the VNS therapy Patient Outcome Registry, and also performed a systematic review of the literature including 2869 patients across 78 studies.RESULTS:Registry data revealed a progressive increase over time in seizure freedom after VNS therapy. Overall, 49% of patients responded to VNS therapy 0 to 4 months after implantation (≥50% reduction seizure frequency), with 5.1% of patients becoming seizure-free, while 63% of patients were responders at 24 to 48 months, with 8.2% achieving seizure freedom. On multivariate analysis, seizure freedom was predicted by age of epilepsy onset &gt;12 years (odds ratio “OR”, 1.89; 95% confidence interval “CI”, 1.38-2.58), and predominantly generalized seizure type (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.82), while overall response to VNS was predicted by nonlesional epilepsy (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.81). Systematic literature review results were consistent with the registry analysis: At 0 to 4 months, 40.0% of patients had responded to VNS, with 2.6% becoming seizure-free, while at last follow-up, 60.1% of individuals were responders, with 8.0% achieving seizure freedom.CONCLUSION:Response and seizure freedom rates increase over time with VNS therapy, although complete seizure freedom is achieved in a small percentage of patients.

scholarly journals Seizure response to temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with WHO grade II oligodendroglioma: a single-institution descriptive study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Haggiagi ◽  
Edward K Avila
Keyword(s):  
Disease Progression ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Seizure Reduction ◽  
Grade Ii ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) is common in patients with low-grade oligodendrogliomas. TRE is difficult to control despite multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in up to 30% of patients. Chemotherapy has been used for treatment to avoid potential radiotherapy-related neurotoxicity. This study evaluates the effect of temozolomide on seizure frequency in a homogeneous group with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II oligodendrogliomas. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult patients with WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas and TRE followed at Memorial Sloan Kettering between 2005 and 2015 who were treated with temozolomide alone either as initial treatment or for disease progression. All had seizures 3 months prior to starting temozolomide. Seizure frequency was reviewed every 2 cycles and at the end of temozolomide treatment. Seizure reduction of ≥50% compared to baseline was defined as improvement. Results Thirty-nine individuals met inclusion criteria. Median follow-up since starting temozolomide was 6 years (0.8-13 years). Reduction in seizure frequency occurred in 35 patients (89.7%). Improvement was independent of AED regimen adjustments or prior antitumor treatment in 16 (41%); of these, AED dosage was successfully reduced or completely eliminated in 10 (25.6%). Twenty-five patients (64.1%) remained on a stable AED regimen. The majority (n = 32, 82%) had radiographically stable disease, 5 (12.8%) had objective radiographic response, and 2 (5.2%) had disease progression. Conclusions Temozolomide may result in reduced seizure frequency, and permit discontinuation of AEDs in patients with WHO II oligodendroglioma. Improvement was observed irrespective of objective tumor response on MRI, emphasizing the importance of incorporating seizure control in assessing response to tumor-directed therapy.

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