Comparative Analysis of Neurophysiological Features in Young Women and Men Suffering From Epilepsy

Abstract

The definition of epilepsy via the concept of neuronal discharge indicates the crucial importance of electroencephalography (EEG) in epileptology. This pathology is a certain problem for each sex, that requires gender−specific approaches when managing and treating such patients. To investigate them, 30 men and 30 women aged 18−44 years with a reliable diagnosis of epilepsy were examined. A comprehensive clinical, neurological and neurophysiological study of patients was performed, taking into account the data of clinical case and life history. Each patient was assessed for neurological status according to traditional methods, electrophysiological method of examination (routine EEG) was used. On the results of electroencephalography in individuals of both sexes with epilepsy, there was a decrease in the amplitude of the α−rhythm, but a significant slowdown in this rhythm was not detected. Most patients had high−amplitude (> 20 μV) and low−frequency β1−rhythm. Low−frequency high−amplitude slow−wave activity was regarded as an EEG reflection of degenerative−dystrophic processes in brain. Photostimulation caused paroxysms of bilaterally synchronous sharp and slow waves, complexes of "acute−slow" wave. Hyperventilation led to an increase in the θ−rhythm amplitude, appearance of δ−waves, higher expression of true epileptiform phenomena: adhesions, "acute wave−slow wave" complexes, "spike−slow wave" complexes. A comparative analysis of the obtained results allowed to conclude that the changes in bioelectrical activity in epilepsy occur according to the general mechanisms of epileptogenesis, regardless of gender. Key words: epilepsy, electroencephalogram, comparative analysis, young men and women.