Proposal: different types of alteration and loss of consciousness in epilepsy.

There are at least five types of alterations of consciousness that occur during epileptic seizures: auras with illusions or hallucinations, dyscognitive seizures, epileptic delirium, dialeptic seizures, and epileptic coma. Each of these types of alterations of consciousness has a specific semiology and a distinct pathophysiologic mechanism. In this proposal we emphasize the need to clearly define each of these alterations/loss of consciousness and to apply this terminology in semiologic descriptions and classifications of epileptic seizures.

Opinion survey of health care providers towards psychogenic non epileptic seizures.

Objectives: Psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) are challenging conditions to diagnose and manage. Previous workers have investigated the opinion of health care providers towards PNES; still several lacunae remain to be stressed. Amongst health care professionals, opinion of nurses has not been adequately explored.

Modern technology calls for a modern approach to classification of epileptic seizures and the epilepsies.

In the last 10-15 years the ILAE Commission on Classification and Terminology has been presenting proposals to modernize the current ILAE Classification of Epileptic Seizures and Epilepsies. These proposals were discussed extensively in a series of articles published recently in Epilepsia and Epilepsy Currents. There is almost universal consensus that the availability of new diagnostic techniques as also of a modern understanding of epilepsy calls for a complete revision of the Classification of Epileptic Seizures and Epilepsies.

Catatonia in encephalitis and nonconvulsive seizures: a case report and review of the literature.

A 20-year-old woman was admitted for psychosis. On further investigation, she was found to be have viral encephalitis and generalized nonconvulsive seizures. After the seizures were controlled, she remained in a prolonged catatonic state.

Intracranial hypertension and levofloxacin: a case report.

This is a case report of a 15-year-old boy who developed benign intracranial hypertension after 3 weeks of levofloxacin intake. The headache, diplopia, and papilledema resolved within a week after levofloxacin was withdrawn. Physicians must be aware that quinolone antibiotics can potentially cause intracranial hypertension.

Use of propofol to control refractory involuntary movements.

The authors report the first case of propofol use for the control of non-epileptic involuntary movements in a patient with postviral encephalitis. The withdrawal from propofol was associated with re-emergence of involuntary movements. The patient was maintained on propofol infusion for 6 months while a series of medications were used in an attempt to control the movements.

Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of oral loading with lamotrigine in epilepsy monitoring units.

Purpose: To investigate the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of oral loading with lamotrigine (LTG) among epilepsy patients after temporary drug discontinuation in an epilepsy monitoring unit.

Methods: We conducted a pilot study among epilepsy patients (18 years or older) receiving maintenance doses of LTG. LTG was discontinued on admission and restarted at the end of epilepsy monitoring.