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At least 1,117 records · Page 62Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Circadian variation in enoxacin-induced convulsions in mice coadministered with fenbufen.

Susceptibility to enoxacin (80 mg/kg, p.o.)-induced convulsions was examined in mice coadministered with fenbufen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) over 24 hr at 3-hr intervals (light 7:00-19:00 hr). There was a marked circadian variation in the incidence of clonic and tonic convulsions and mortality. The susceptibility to enoxacin was higher around 15:00-18:00 hr and lower around 3:00-9:00 hr; the 50% clonic convulsive dose (CD50) at 9:00 and 15:00 hr was 95.0 and 56.5 mg/kg, respectively, its ratio being 1.64. Under these conditions, brain enoxacin level at 15:00 hr was increased 2.43-fold over that at 9:00 hr 30 min after enoxacin administration. Thus, the change of brain enoxacin may contribute to one of the causes of the above circadian variation.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Genetic predisposition to febrile convulsions: a preliminary study.

The participation of genetic factors in the origin of convulsive disorders is a controversial matter. In an attempt to study the influence of heredity in a selected group of patients, we evaluated 128 subjects that presented febrile febrile convulsions. Of these, 18 (14,3% of the sample) had at least one relative affected by the same problem. Even though a more definite conclusion depends on sample enlargement and on setting up a control group, pedigree observation suggests the participation of an autosomal dominant gene, with incomplete and probably low penetrance, in the etiology of febrile convulsions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

[Evoked parietal spikes in the electroencephalogram and febrile convulsions].

In a population of 2307 children, 69 (2.99%) showed in the EEG high-voltage evoked potentials (evoked spikes) elicited by tapping on the feet or hands. Febrile convulsions were mentioned in 226 cases, and 13 of them showed the evoked spikes in the EEG and were otherwise neurologically and psychologically normal. Association between febrile convulsions and evoked spikes was observed, mainly when EEG showed also epileptiform activity of parietal localization. These EEG features are probably of functional rather than organic nature, and with possible genetic mechanisms involved. Longitudinal studies of children with febrile convulsions and evoked spikes in the EEG are necessary to verify a possible high risk of developing epilepsy not predicted on clinical data.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Repeated convulsions induce pseudopregnancy in the intact rat and inhibit steroid-mediated gonadotrophin secretion in the ovariectomized rat.

We have investigated the effects of repeated flurothyl-induced seizures on reproductive function in the female rat. This treatment rapidly induced a state of pseudopregnancy in intact cyclic rats. Prolactin is clearly implicated in this response since treatment with bromocriptine readily counteracted the influence of the convulsions. The mechanism of action of repeated seizures was further characterized in experiments on ovariectomized rats. Thus, 11 daily convulsions, but not a single acute seizure, were able to inhibit the positive feedback effect of progesterone on LH and FSH release in oestrogen-primed animals. In this model also the pituitary gland response to gonadotrophin releasing hormone in vitro was significantly reduced. However, the convulsions had no effect on basal serum or basal in-vitro secretion of LH and FSH in ovariectomized or oestrogen-treated ovariectomized rats. Thus, repeated seizures modified the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in such a way as to prevent it from responding to stimulation. Our results indicate that normal reproductive function in the female rat is very sensitive to repeated seizures and suggest that similar effects may be evident in women subjected to electroconvulsive shock therapy. The successful use of bromocriptine in reversing the influence of seizures in the rat suggests its use in man also.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Metabolic clearance rate of testosterone in male epileptic patients on anti-convulsant therapy.

There are several reports which state that male epileptics on anti-convulsant therapy have reduced sexual activity. We and others have shown that, although total testosterone is raised, the free testosterone concentration is reduced in this patient population. This could be a result of an increased metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of testosterone, inadequate secretion of LH to stimulate testosterone synthesis or inappropriately low testosterone production by the Leydig cells. We have examined these possibilities by measuring the MCR of testosterone in 15 male epileptics on anti-convulsant therapy. In this group of patients, the mean LH (9.3 +/- 5.9 IU/l) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (54.5 +/- 22.9 nmol/l) concentrations were significantly greater than those of five normal control subjects (4.7 +/- 1.11 IU/l and 26.0 +/- 7.0 nmol/l respectively). Mean total testosterone concentrations of the two groups were not significantly different but the mean percentage of free testosterone and free testosterone concentration were significantly lower in the patient population (2.06 +/- 0.43 vs 2.98 +/- 0.27 and 0.56 +/- 1.1 vs 0.79 +/- 0.07 pmol/l). The MCR of testosterone was significantly lower in the patients (773 +/- 322 vs 1354 +/- 443 l/day) and showed a positive correlation with the percentage of free testosterone. Therefore, our results suggest that the lowered free testosterone in male epileptics on anti-convulsant therapy is not due to an increased MCR of testosterone. The increased LH concentration suggests primary hypogonadism. This, in turn, could be responsible for low free testosterone levels in the presence of normal testosterone.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Concussive convulsions. Incidence in sport and treatment recommendations.

Concussive convulsions (CC) are nonepileptic phenomena which are an immediate sequelae of concussive brain injury. Although uncommon, occurring with an approximate incidence of 1 case per 70 concussions, these episodes are often confused with post-traumatic epilepsy which may occur with more severe structural brain injury. The pathophysiological mechanism of CC remains speculative, but may involve a transient traumatic functional decerebration with loss of cortical inhibition and release of brainstem activity. The phenomenology of the CC is somewhat akin to convulsive syncope, with an initial tonic phase occurring within 2 seconds of impact, followed by a clonic or myoclonic phase which may last several minutes. Lateralising features are common during the convulsions. There is no evidence of structural or permanent brain injury on clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing or neuroimaging studies. Long term outcome is universally good with no evidence of long term epilepsy and athletes are usually able to return to sport within 2 weeks. The correct management of these episodes centres on the appropriate management of the associated concussive injury and the exclusion of other cerebral injury by medical assessment. The CC requires no specific management beyond immediate onfield first aid measures such as protection of the airway. Antiepileptic therapy is not indicated and prolonged absence from sport is unwarranted. These episodes, although dramatic, are relatively straightforward to manage and all team physicians and those involved in athlete care need to be aware of this condition.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Convulsive seizure induced by intracerebral injection of semicarbazide (an anti-vitamin B6) in the mouse.

The direct injection of semicarbazide (SC), an antivitamin B6 (anti-B6), into the lateral ventricle of the mouse brain induced convulsion and tremors at a smaller dose after a shorter latent period than that in systemic administration. The symptoms were prevented by pyridoxine, aminooxyacetic acid or acetone, while they enhanced by pyridoxal, pyridoxal phosphate, or some other anti-B6. In mice fed a vitamin B6 (B6)-deficient diet, convulsion and tremors occurred at smaller doses of SC than those in mice given control food, and were counteracted by pyridoxine. On the other hand, mice into which SC had been injected in the neighboring site of the lambda first showed running fits, which was followed by convulsion and tremors.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Strychnine convulsions in cockerels.

An intravenous injection of 0.85 mg/kg strychnine nitrate produced typical convulsions in all cockerels, aged 4 to 12 weeks, as well as adult hens. Convulsions consisted of an initial excitement, tonic stage associated with opisthotonos, transient clonic movement, and finally vigorous tonic convulsions. Strychnine spikes in the Wulst EEG were not induced by the same intravenous does of strychnine in both cockerels and adult hens.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Differentiation of convulsive syncope and epilepsy with head-up tilt testing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of head-upright tilt table testing in the differential diagnosis of convulsive syncope from epileptic seizures in patients with recurrent idiopathic seizure-like episodes. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study. SETTING: Electrophysiology laboratory of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients (8 men and 7 women patients; mean age, 29 +/- 20 years) with recurrent unexplained seizure-like episodes, unresponsive to antiseizure medication. MEASUREMENTS: Head-upright tilt table testing with or without isoproterenol infusion. Five patients who were initially tilt positive had a second tilt test with continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. MAIN RESULTS: Syncope associated with tonic-clonic seizure-like activity occurred in six patients (40%) during the baseline tilt and in four patients (27%) during isoproterenol infusion (total positive tests, 67%). The EEG showed diffuse brain wave slowing (not typical of epileptic seizures) in five of five patients during the convulsive episode. All patients who had positive test results eventually become tilt table negative after therapy, and over a mean follow-up period of 21 +/- 2 months, no further seizure-like episodes have occurred. CONCLUSION: Upright tilt table testing combined with isoproterenol infusion may be useful to distinguish convulsive syncope from epileptic seizures.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Longitudinal study of patients with febrile convulsive crises].

This longitudinal study included 113 patients seen through a period of 8 years with febrile convulsive crises, especially of the tonoclonic type, with predominance in males and with average age at the onset of the disease of 6 months. Infectious respiratory processes were considered as the main cause of fever and the drug given most often was sodium diphenylhydantoin. The value of EEG in febrile convulsive crises was confirmed since the first graphic traces were abnormal in 95% of cases and that generalized paroxysmal or focal alterations were considered suggestive of epilepsy and or organic damage. The most common grapho-element was of slow wave of high voltage. Alterations in the E.E.G. persisted and was more abnormal in 23% of the cases including specific tracings in 37%. These findings are similar to those reported in other studies carried out in children with febrile convulsions.

Electroencephalography↗
PubMed1999

[Transient cortical blindness and convulsion mimicking a hemorrhagic complication during embolization of the cerebellar AVM].

We report a case of transient cortical blindness and convulsions during embolization of the cerebellar AVM. A 29-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography showed the right cerebellar AVM fed by the right superior cerebellar artery. Preoperative embolization of the AVM was performed. During embolization, the patient lost consciousness suddenly and appeared to be in a decerebrate posture. About 15 minutes later, the patient came around and complained of total blindness. Cerebral angiography revealed the disappearance of the aneurysm and AVM. There were no abnormal findings in the vertebrobasilar system. Computed tomography obtained just after the procedure, showed considerable contrast enhancement of the occipital lobes. Two hours later, a repeat computed tomography showed clearance of contrast enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging obtained 12 hours after the procedure, showed no evidence of infarction in the occipital lobes. Two days after, the patient's sight gradually returned. Seven days after the procedure, the patient recovered completely. We speculated that these clinical features might be convulsions due to contrast material. In the reported cases, convulsions and transient cortical blindness due to non-ionic low osmolar contrast materials is a rare complication. This case suggested disruption of the blood-brain barrier demonstrated by the computed tomography appearance of contrast enhancement in the occipital lobes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Benign partial convulsions in adolescence].

INTRODUCTION: Loiseau and Orgogozo first described benign partial convulsions of adolescence (BPCA). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics of adolescent patients diagnosed as having BPCA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical histories of 125 patients with onset of partial epilepsy between the ages of 10 and 18 years, followed-up at the J.P. Garrahan Hospital, Buenos Aires, between 1990 and 1997. Fourteen of these patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria for BPCA. We analyzed the following clinical and electroencephalographic parameters: sex, personal and family history, age of onset, semiology, distribution, duration and frequency of crises, neurological examination, neuro-images (brain CT/MR) using conventional techniques, time of follow-up and evolution. RESULTS: Ten patients were boys (71.4%) and four girls (28.6%). The follow-up period was from one to seven years (average 3.1 years). Convulsions had started at between 10 and 16 years old, average 12 years old, with a peak of maximum incidence at between 12 and 13 years old. The crises were of partial simple type in 12 patients (85.7%) and partial complex type in 2 (14.3%); nine cases had secondarily generalized tonic-clonic convulsions (64.2%). Crises were brief in 100%, in 13 cases (93%) they occurred whilst awake and in one case (7%) during sleep. CONCLUSIONS: BPCA occur in a transient condition which affects males more often than females, has a peak onset at between 12 and 13 years of age and is characterized by simple motor partial crises, frequently with secondary generalization, single or inclusters, during waking and is of a benign course. Neurological examination, EEG between crises and neuro-radiological studies were normal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Frequent convulsions in the post-eruptive stage of exanthem subitum].

We report here three infants with frequent convulsions in the post-eruptive stage of exanthem subitum (ES) due to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection. Postictal electroencephalogram (EEG) showed in all the patients abnormal epileptic discharges, which disappeared in the following by three to eighteen months. In one case, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed focal gliosis. SPECT demonstrated hypoperfusion of the lesion. In the cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) of all the patients, HHV-6 DNA was negative on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HHV-6 antibodies were not significantly increased. Although encephalitis has been reported to complicate primary HHV-6 infection, our patients were not diagnosed as having encephalitis because of the clinical, CSF, EEG and CT findings. However, they had frequent convulsions. Not only virus invasion but also a secondary reaction including vasculitis may cause the central nervous system complications of HHV-6 infection. Frequent convulsions may occur in the post-eruptic stage after HHV-6 infection.

Electroencephalography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A comparison of the convulsive readiness of the brain, of long-term memory and of learning capacity and their structural equivalents in the postresuscitation period].

Clinical death of asphyxia was modelled in white rat experiments. After resuscitation passive avoidance tests were made to assess audiogenic convulsive readiness of the brain, the ability to learn and long-term memory. The experiments were made for 66 days. Light and electron microscopy studied cyto- and synaptoarchitectonics of the cerebrum sensomotor cortex. Deterioration of learning ability, enhancement of convulsive readiness of the brain and long-term memory were found. Changes in the long-term memory and convulsive readiness of the brain correlate with an increase in the number of large synaptic contacts.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed2000

[The influence of transcranial micropolarization on convulsive manifestations in children].

Eighteen patients with infantile cerebral paralysis and organic brain damage underwent to therapeutical sessions of transcranial micropolarization directed to decrease the incidence of convulsive fits. Transcranial micropolarization of the posterior temporal and parietal areas caused a marked decrease in the incidence of convulsive fits and made the electroencephalographic pattern normal. This effect was caused by the target exposure of the structures responsible for the formation and regulation of brain convulsive activity to constant current through the respective morphofunctional linkages of the cortical areas.

Brain↗
PubMed2000

[A case of non-convulsive status epilepticus worsened Wernicke's aphasia reversely].

A 62-year-old right-handed woman had presented progressive speech impediment over 4 months. She was alert without any convulsions or involuntary movements. Neurological examination showed Wernicke's aphasia, constructional apraxia. Her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an old cerebral infarction in the left parieto-occipital area, in addition to ischemic changes in the bilateral deep white matter. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) predominant in the posterior left hemisphere. The PLEDs as well as the cortical symptoms improved after an administration of anti-convulsive agents, thus establishing the diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus (NSE). It should be emphasized that NSE manifesting as Wernicke's aphasia should be distinguished from dementia syndrome because it is a treatable disorder.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed1997

The incidence of human herpesvirus 6 infection in children with febrile convulsion admitted to the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.

From October 1996 to March 1997, 31 children with febrile convulsions were admitted to the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV 6) was virologically and/or serologically confirmed to be the cause of the febrile episode in 5 of these children (16.1%). Age, sex and other associated clinical features (diarrhoea, cough, running nose and type of seizure) were not useful in differentiating cases of febrile convulsion due to HHV 6 from those of other aetiology. However, uvulo-palatoglossal junctional ulcers were noted in children in whom the cause of the seizure could be attributed to HHV 6 but not in the remaining cases in the study group. HHV 6 DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from all patients with febrile convulsions attributed to HHV6, and in patients shown serologically to have already been exposed to the virus by nested polymerase chain reaction amplification. Only genotype HHV 6B was detected from patients with seizure due to HHV 6 but both genotype 6A and 6B were detected in the remaining cases studied.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Optimization of electroconvulsive therapy. Strategies for an adequate convulsion: role of caffeine].

The Electroconvulsive Therapy is a widely used technique in psychiatry as a treatment for several mental disorders with particular indications. To produce therapeutic effect it's necessary to induce a convulsion which is considered adequate if its duration lasts more than 20 seconds. Considerations that should be taken in to account and possible enhancement strategies when convulsion is not adequate are revised in the present article. Among these strategies we focus on the specific role of caffeine as convulsion enhancer and on aspects related to its use and administration form.

Caffeine↗