Jørgen Alving1, Sándor Beniczky. 1. Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark. jag@filadelfia.dk
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess how frequently prodromes occur in an adult patient group from a tertiary referral epilepsy centre and to investigate the EEG changes during the prodromes. METHODS: 578 consecutive patients were interviewed on subjective phenomena, experiences heralding the seizures, for at least 30min before the start of the seizure. EEGs were recorded during the prodromes. RESULTS: Ten out of 490 included patients had prodromes (2%). We were able to record EEG during prodromes in 6 patients. Three patients had EEG changes corresponding to nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Three patients had unrevealing EEG recordings during prodromes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that at least in a part of the patients, the prodromes are actually ictal phenomena, and should be treated as nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess how frequently prodromes occur in an adult patient group from a tertiary referral epilepsy centre and to investigate the EEG changes during the prodromes. METHODS: 578 consecutive patients were interviewed on subjective phenomena, experiences heralding the seizures, for at least 30min before the start of the seizure. EEGs were recorded during the prodromes. RESULTS: Ten out of 490 included patients had prodromes (2%). We were able to record EEG during prodromes in 6 patients. Three patients had EEG changes corresponding to nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Three patients had unrevealing EEG recordings during prodromes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that at least in a part of the patients, the prodromes are actually ictal phenomena, and should be treated as nonconvulsive status epilepticus.