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At least 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[The significance of convulsion-like signs in the first 2 years of life].

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the prevalence of convulsion-like symptoms in 1854 children of Dutch-speaking mothers of a population-based birth cohort. METHOD: At each child health clinic (CHC) visit mothers were asked whether they had noted any of the following signs: loss of consciousness, involuntary movements, eye rotation movements and apnoea, and if so, whether these appeared to be related to feeding. Registration was done by the CHC physician during eight consultations. RESULTS: Convulsion-like symptoms occurred in a quarter of the children: in 8% exclusively in relation to feeding, almost without exception in the first three months of life, in 19% also without relation to feeding, continuing until the second birthday. The latter children were more frequently admitted into hospital, even for non-neurological problems, than the former or than children without any such signs. They also have more disabilities at the age of two years. No connection with epilepsy in the family or with congenital anomalies could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Convulsion-like symptoms were observed in a quarter of children up to the age of two years. Special attention should be paid by the CHC team to children with signs not connected with feeding.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1993

[A case of tyrosinemia type II with convulsion and EEG abnormality].

A 10-year-old boy with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and keratitis was reported. His physical development was normal and mental development was lower limit. He had also convulsions with low grade fever several times, and his EEG showed paroxysmal discharges. The plasma levels of phenylalanine and tyrosine were 5 to 10 times higher than those of controls. Tyrosinemia II was diagnosed on the low level of cytosol tyrosine aminotransferase in biopsied liver. The cases of tyrosinemia II were reviewed on the symptoms of the central nervous system. Two of twelve cases had convulsions. Adult cases demonstrated nystagmus, tremor, ataxia, and convulsion. Hyperkeratosis and corneal lesions were characteristic in symptoms of tyrosinemia II, but attention should be paid to the symptoms of the central nervous system.

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗
PubMed1993

[A case of progressive systemic sclerosis with Sjögren's syndrome presenting with coma, convulsion and bilateral thalamic hypodensity on computed tomography].

A 35-year-old female with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and Sjögren's syndrome developed consciousness disturbance and generalized seizure after the episode of fever and erythema lasting for 3 weeks. Neurological examination disclosed deep coma and spastic tetraplegia with pathological reflexes. Laboratory data showed mild anemia, severe hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and increase of protein content in the cerebrospinal fluid. Cranial CT scans obtained after convulsion revealed diffuse brain swelling and bilateral symmetrical hypodensity involving the thalami and posterior limbs of the internal capsule. High-dose corticosteroid therapy and osmotherapy with correction of hypovolemia were started, because severe dehydration, hypoalbuminemia and cerebral vasculitis were suspected to change the vascular permeabilities. Neurological symptoms and CT findings were rapidly improved. Cerebral angiography 4 weeks after convulsion showed definite angitis. The patient was discharged 9 weeks after convulsion. In our case, a possible cause of the characteristic CT findings may be the disturbance of cerebral venous return due to hypovolemia and vasculitis. High-dose corticosteroid therapy may be recommended in patients with collagen disease, who show the bilateral symmetrical thalamic hypodensity on CT scans.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[A case report of hypoplasia of the left internal carotid artery manifested as convulsion attack].

A case of hypoplasia of the left internal carotid artery manifested as convulsion was reported. The features and embryological process were reviewed. The case was that of a 25-year-old female who had been afflicted with repeated convulsion for 16 years. CT scan showed a dilated left posterior communicating artery. Cerebral angiography revealed abrupt narrowing of the left internal carotid artery from a few centimeters distal to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery and terminating at the C4 portion. The left cerebral hemisphere was supplied, through well-developed anterior and posterior communicating arteries. On the CT scan with the skull base bone as target, the left carotid canal was smaller than the right one. Single photon emission computed tomogram using Xe showed a slightly low perfusion area in the left cerebral hemisphere. Frequent spike waves were seen on the electroencephalogram. After the left STA-MCA anastomosis, spike waves disappeared and the patient has been free from convulsion for 3 years.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Anti-convulsant drugs, smoking, and body weights in psychiatric in-patients.

Some anti-convulsant drugs have a calming effect that may potentially be used to reduce cigarette smoking. A cross-sectional study, including all 100 psychiatric in-service patients receiving various anti-convulsant drugs and their age- and sex-matched controls, was done. The intensity of their daily cigarette smoking and their body weights were recorded. Of the patients, 25% were non-smokers. Of the 22 patients on phenytoin, eight were non-smokers as opposed to three in the control group. Two thirds of the phenytoin group patients were either non-smokers, or were nominal smokers. As opposed to this, of the control patients and those on other anti-convulsants, two thirds were either moderate or heavy smokers. The phenytoin group of patients weighed less than the controls (149 v 163 lbs). Valproic acid therapy was associated with a significantly higher body weight and with more smoking. Clonazepam's effect was similar to valproic acid, but carbamazepine did not show any relationship either with smoking or with body weights. Therapy with phenytoin is associated with a lower prevalence and a lower intensity of cigarette smoking, together with lower body weights in psychiatric in-patient population.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Neonatal familial benign convulsions].

BACKGROUND: Some neonatal benign convulsions are genetic in origin, with a dominant mode of inheritance. CASE REPORT: A girl was placed on continuous EEG recording from her 2d day of life because of her family history. The first clonic seizures occurred on the 4th day; they appeared again on the 6th day and became prolonged with an abnormal EEG pattern. The seizures were well controlled with phenobarbital, that was gradually discontinued when the child was 3 months old. Seizures occurred again when she was 4 months old and were again controlled with phenobarbital. Her father had had neonatal convulsions which were not well analysed. Her brother also had clonic seizures at the 4th day of life; they disappeared after 1 month. Her sister suffered from clonic seizures when she was 3 days old, and these became prolonged. She was given phenobarbital until she was 1 year old. She developed benign rolandic epilepsy at the age of 10 years. CONCLUSION: This family suffers from neonatal familial benign convulsions and rolandic epilepsy. The frequency of neonatal familial benign epilepsy is probably under-estimated.

Electroencephalography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Diagnostic value of electroencephalography and evoked potentials in monitoring brain maturation in children with febrile convulsions].

A group of 31 children aged 4-14 was presented with clinical manifestations of febrile convulsions, which after clinical examination, were followed--up in outpatient clinics during 1-12 year period. Together with continuous electroencephalographic monitoring, visual and somatosensory potentials were measured with the aim to stress a diagnostic significance of these neurophysiological methods for cerebral maturation assessment in children with febrile convulsions. Results reveal that electroencephalography (EEG) and somatosensory potentials (SEP) have higher diagnostic sensitivity compared to the visual ones (VEP). In 25 children (80.64%) SEP changes were registered in the form of prolonged central conductivity time (CCT) and EEG revealed changes in the form of slower cerebral activity and posterior theta activities fr. 4-7 Hz (P-O bilaterally) in 10 children (32.26%). Registered SEP changes, particularly prolonged CVP, as well as changes in the form of slower basic cerebral activity or posterior theta rhythm could be explained by slower maturation of some CNS regions. EEG and SEP findings show positive correlation with clinical findings and different diagnostic sensitivity, therefore their use in clinical follow-up of children with febrile convulsions is important.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Serum prolactin, electrode placement, and the convulsive threshold during ECT.

This study examines the relationship of serum prolactin changes (delta PRL) to variations in electrode placement after controlling for differences in the convulsive threshold. Previous studies showing greater release of PRL with bilateral (BL) compared with right unilateral (RUL) electrode placement were conducted without knowledge of the convulsive threshold. Twenty-two patients each received threshold RUL, threshold BL, 2.25 times threshold RUL, and 2.25 times threshold BL ECT. Serum PRL was collected 5 min before and 15 min after each electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The convulsive threshold was greater for BL than RUL electrode placement. delta PRL was greater with BL than RUL ECT at comparable relative stimulus intensities. delta PRL was not correlated with seizure duration or absolute stimulus dose.

Electroconvulsive Therapy↗
PubMed1995

Convulsive syncope in the aviation environment.

Syncope in the aviation environment can be a very difficult problem to assess. Even more difficult is the differential diagnosis between convulsive syncope and epilepsy after the first event. This paper discusses syncope in general and the differential diagnosis between vasovagal syncope and other forms of syncope. About 50% of all syncopal episodes cannot be identified as to etiology. However, a benign outcome for a single syncopal episode, non-cardiac in origin, is the norm. The diagnosis of syncope is discussed, emphasizing that a meticulous history from an observer or the patient, a good physical examination, and an ECG are the cornerstones of diagnosis. Other diagnostic venues are discussed. Convulsive syncope occurs in only about 12% of syncopal episodes, 65% of these being vasovagal in origin. The other 35% are due to a variety of causes. We found no good algorithm to differentiate convulsive syncope from epilepsy. We reviewed the literature to develop a differential diagnostic table, focusing on: age, awake status, position, emotional/physiologic stressors, onset, aura, appearance, injury on falling, seizure characteristics, automatism, length of unconsciousness and subsequent confusion, pulse characteristics, blood pressure, urinary incontinence, seizure duration, recovery time post-event, post-seizure sequelae, amnesia, posture vs. recovery, EEG characteristics, and the value of sophisticated diagnostic procedures.

Aircraft↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Encephalopathy, convulsions and hypopotassemia in theophylline poisoning: a case analysis].

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after convulsive seizures preceded by encephalopathy lasting one week. He had a history of long-standing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and analysis showed hypokalemia, respiratory alkalosis and toxic levels of theophylline. We discuss the severity of the convulsions and arrhythmias, the high incidence of hypokalemia in theophylline poisoning, as well as the role of hypokalemia in the pathogenesis of the convulsions and the high level of mortality in this type of intoxication. Other possible mechanisms involved in theophylline encephalopathy are mentioned, along with the controversial use of theophylline for continuous treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[A case of convulsion induced by flumazenil].

A 52-year-old female patient who was medicated chronically with sodium valproate, an anticonvulsant drug, underwent spino-peritoneal shunt operation. Firstly, spinal drain was placed under local anesthesia and with intravenous diazepam, which was antagonized by flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, without adverse effect. Secondly, peritoneal drain was placed and shunt operation was completed under general anesthesia. After the operation flumazenil was administered again in order to accelerate anesthesia recovery. Just after the second flumazenil administration she developed generalised convulsion and coma. Convulsion disappeared immediately and full consciousness was restored several hours after the attack. We have discussed the possible mechanism of the flumazenil-induced convulsion.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Convulsions in phenylketonuria and the pattern of the bioelectric activity of the brain].

Serial EEC investigations were carried out in 30 children with phenylketonuria aged 8 months to 4 years at the time of dietary treatment. All children had seizures. The results of EEG investigations in this group of children were compared with a preciously observed analogous of 35 children without convulsions. Comparing the results of EEG investigations in both groups it was observed that in the group of children without convulsions the initial EEG tracings were mostly normal while in both groups the abnormalities were mostly of paroxysmal type. On the ground of an analysis of the EEG results of both groups of children during the whole observation period lasting 2 to 7 years no statistically significant differences were observed in the pattern of bioelectric activity of the brain in both groups. In the light of this material homogenous from the standpoint of aetiology and pathogenesis the asuthors postulated the necessity of verification of the presently accepted principles of diagnosis and classification of infantile convulsions based on diagnostic and prognostic significance of EEG investigations.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

Parental anxiety in febrile convulsions.

Febrile convulsions can cause extreme anxiety to parents. Factors associated with parental anxiety and its relief during and after admission of their child for simple febrile convulsions were studied by questionnaire. Of the 70 parents approached 46 responded (66%), all of whom reported feeling anxiety. Factors directly associated with parental anxiety were lack of knowledge regarding the management of seizures and the performance of a spinal tap or EEG. There was no correlation between a previous seizure in the same child or in a first-degree relative and a decrease in anxiety in the present seizure. Hospital admission of the child yielded no relief of anxiety in 27.3% and some relief in 34.1%. Staff activity was insufficient regarding parental instruction in handling the child in the event of a recurrence. About two-thirds of the parents wished to continue neurologic follow-up after discharge, and about one-half preferred that the child be treated with anticonvulsants. Our findings show that a very intensive effort is required to relieve parental anxiety after febrile convulsions. It is suggested that routine parental preventive education in this area be conducted in well-baby clinics.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Bilobalide, a constituent of Ginkgo biloba L., potentiates drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in mice: possible mechanism for anticonvulsant activity against 4-O-methylpyridoxine-induced convulsions.

Anticonvulsant effects of bilobalide, one of the constituents of Ginkgo biloba L., on the convulsions induced by 4-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) were investigated in mice. Bilobalide reduced the duration and incidence of MPN-induced convulsions depending on its dose and the period of treatment. In addition, the anticonvulsant effect was manifested more than 24 hours after treatment and the effect lasted for 7 days after its withdrawal. In mice treated with bilobalide (30 mg/kg, p.o., once a day for 4 days), hepatic 7-methoxycoumarin O-demethylase activity was potentiated, and the disappearance of MPN in blood after MPN injection was faster than in controls. From these results, it is assumed that the anticonvulsant effect of bilobalide against convulsions induced by MPN partly involves modulation of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme activity, which leads to accelerated elimination of MPN.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1997

[Long-term prognosis in febrile convulsions with and without prophylaxis].

This is a long-term follow-up of occurrence of epilepsy, neurological, motor, intellectual, cognitive, and scholastic achievements in a cohort of children with febrile convulsions (n = 289), randomized in early childhood to either intermittent prophylaxis (diazepam at fever) or no prophylaxis (diazepam at seizures). At follow-up the two groups were of almost identical age (14.0 vs. 14.1 years), body weight (58.2 vs. 57.2 kg), height (168.2 vs. 167.7 cm) and head circumference (55.9 vs. 56.2 cm). The neurological examination, fine and gross motor development on Stott motor test, intellectual performance on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children verbal IQ (105 vs. 105), performance IQ (114 vs. 111) and full scale IQ (110 vs. 108). cognitive abilities on an neuropsychological test battery, including short and long term, auditory and visual memory, visuomotor tempo, computer reaction time, reading test, scholastic achievements and the occurrence of subsequent epilepsy were also very similar. Children with simple and complex febrile convulsions had the same benign outcome. The long term prognosis in terms of subsequent epilepsy, neurological, motor, intellectual, cognitive, and scholastic ability was not influenced by the type of treatment applied in early childhood. Preventing new febrile convulsions appears no better in the long run than abbreviating them.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[General convulsive crisis related to pneumocephalus after inadvertant dural puncture in an obstetric patient].

We report a case of iatrogenic pneumocephalus in an obstetric patient after accidental dural puncture during repeated attempts to locate the epidural space by the technique of loss-of-resistance to air. Analgesia was provided throughout labor. Two days after puncture, typical spinal headache developed and was treated with bed rest, oral analgesics and hydration. The patient was released four days after delivery but returned to the hospital emergency service after suffering general convulsions and loss of consciousness which resolved spontaneously. A computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed pneumocephalus, to which the convulsions were attributed. No further convulsions occurred in spite of the fact that anticonvulsives were not prescribed. A CT scan one month later was normal.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Eleven cases of paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis; correlation with benign infantile convulsions].

We report 11 subjects, consisting of sibling cases from 5 unrelated families, with paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC). In these subjects the PKC attacks started between the ages of 5 and 17 years and were well controlled with anti-epileptic drugs or subsided spontaneously. In 8 cases from 4 families with PKC, infantile convulsions occurred between the ages of 3 and 8 months and an excellent prognosis was obtained in all but one male. Four of the 8 subjects had complex partial seizures which were characterized by staring, eye deviation, apnea, or loss of consciousness. The nature of these convulsions shared some of the clinical features of benign infantile epilepsies, which have been recently advocated as a new category of epilepsy. There were no differences in the clinical between the cases with and without infantile convulsions.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The early history of convulsive therapies in Australia.

The early experience of convulsive therapies in Australia was reported in the Medical Journal of Australia from 1935 to 1950. Cardiazol convulsive therapy, first used in Australia in 1937, appears to have been widely employed. Electroconvulsive therapy, first used here in 1941, rapidly became accepted as a mainstream treatment. Early response rates are discussed, as well as Australian adaptations of European techniques. Clinicians of the day considered the use of these procedures carefully and were circumspect about their future role.

Australia↗