Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC), defined as a syndrome of continuous focal jerking, is a rare form of focal status epilepticus that usually affects a distal limb, and when prolonged, can produce long-lasting deficits in limb function. Substantial electrophysiologic evidence links the origin of EPC to the motor cortex; thus surgical resection carries the risk of significant handicap. We present two patients with focal, drug-resistant EPC, who were admitted for intracranial video-electroencephalography monitoring to elucidate the location of the epileptogenic focus and identification of eloquent motor cortex with functional mapping. In both cases, the focus resided at or near eloquent motor cortex and therefore precluded resective surgery. Chronic cortical stimulation delivered through subdural strips at the seizure focus (continuous stimulation at 60-130 Hz, 2-3 mA) resulted in >90% reduction in seizures and abolition of the EPC after a follow-up of 22 months in both patients. Following permanent implantation of cortical stimulators, no adverse effects were noted. EPC restarted when intensity was reduced or batteries depleted. Battery replacement restored previous improvement. This two-case report opens up avenues for the treatment of this debilitating condition.
Patients undergoing craniotomy may experience moderate to severe pain postoperatively. An audit of analgesia of post-craniotomy patients at King's College Hospital demonstrated variable analgesic prescribing practices and suboptimal analgesia in some patients. Prior to introducing a formal post-operative analgesic regime, a survey of the adult neurosurgical units within the United Kingdom was undertaken to ascertain whether there was a general consensus regarding post-craniotomy pain management. Questions were asked as to whether there was a standardized analgesic regime/protocol; which first, second, third, and fourth-line analgesics were used; whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used; what the preferred anti-emetic was; and whether pain was routinely assessed. We also undertook a survey of neurosurgeons, neuroanaesthetists, intensivists, and neurosurgery high dependency nurses within our institution to ascertain what their perceptions were of post-craniotomy pain. All 31 adult neurosurgical units were surveyed. Twenty three percent (7 units) had a standardized analgesic regime/protocol and 65% routinely assessed pain post-operatively (20 units). Seventy percent of units used codeine phosphate or dihydrocodeine (22 units) as the first line opioid the other 30% using morphine (9 units). Forty two percent (13 units) used tramadol; patient controlled analgesia was used in 3 units. Regular paracetamol was prescribed in all but five (16%) units. Fifty two percent of units (16) used NSAIDs; of those that used NSAIDs 19% (3/16) prescribed them regularly. One unit used clonidine infusions. Anti-emetics were prescribed as required in all but two units. Cyclizine was the first-line anti-emetic in 45% of the units, ondansetron in 29% and metoclopramide in 16%. There is currently no consensus on pain management after craniotomy in neurosurgical centres in the UK. Until there are sufficiently powered randomized controlled studies to address the main safety and efficacy issues progress in this area will remain slow.
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