Summary:We propose an epileptic seizure classification based exclusively on ictal semiology. In this semiological seizure classification (SSC), seizures are classified as follows: The SSC identifies in detail the somatotopic distribution of the ictal semiology as well as the seizure evolution. The advantages of a pure SSC, as opposed to the current classification of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), which is actually a classification of electroclinical syndromes, are discussed. Key Words: Seizure classification-Ictal semiology-Auras-Motor seizures-Paroxysmal events.The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) introduced a seizure classification in 1981 based on clinical semiology, interictal EEG findings, and ictal EEG patterns (1). The assumption behind such a classification, which is actually a classification of electroclinical features, is the existence of a strict one-to-one correlation between clinical-ictal semiology and interictalhctal EEG findings. Detailed analysis of clinical semiology and EEG findings shows, however, that this assumption is frequently incorrect (2), particularly for infants (3).

Ictal asystole is a rare feature of patients with focal epilepsy. Delayed loss of tone is distinctly uncommon in patients with temporal lobe seizures, but may inevitably occur in patients with ictal asystole after a critical duration of cardiac arrest and cerebral hypoperfusion. Further cardiac monitoring in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and a history of unexpected collapse and falls late in the course of a typical seizure may be warranted and can potentially help to prevent sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.

Invasive monitoring with grid electrodes was associated with significant complications. Most of them were transient. Increased complication rates were related to left-sided grid insertion and longer monitoring with a greater number of electrodes (especially more than 60 electrodes). Improvements in grid technology, surgical technique, and postoperative care resulted in significant reductions in the complication rate.

Objective In the presurgical workup of MRI-negative (MRI−, or “nonlesional”) pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy (PFE) patients, discovering a previously undetected lesion can drastically change the evaluation and likely improve surgical outcome. Our study utilizes a voxel-based MRI post-processing technique, implemented in a morphometric analysis program (MAP), to facilitate detection of subtle abnormalities in a consecutive cohort of MRI− surgical candidates. Methods Included in this retrospective study was a consecutive cohort of 150 MRI-surgical patients. MAP was performed on T1-weighted MRI, with comparison to a scanner-specific normal database. Review and analysis of MAP were performed blinded to patients’ clinical information. The pertinence of MAP+ areas was confirmed by surgical outcome and pathology. Results MAP showed a 43% positive rate, sensitivity of 0.9 and specificity of 0.67. Overall, patients with MAP+ region completely resected had the best seizure outcomes, followed by the MAP− patients, and patients who had no/partial resection of the MAP+ region had the worst outcome (p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that visually identified subtle findings are more likely correct if also MAP+. False-positive rate in 52 normal controls was 2%. Surgical pathology of the resected MAP+ areas contained mainly non-balloon-cell FCD. Multiple MAP+ regions were present in 7% of patients. Conclusions MAP can be a practical and valuable tool to: (1) guide the search for subtle MRI abnormalities, and (2) confirm visually identified questionable abnormalities in patients with PFE due to suspected FCD. A MAP+ region, when concordant with the patient’s electro-clinical presentation, should provide a legitimate target for surgical exploration.