Photoplethysmographic evaluation of generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Objective: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is an optical technique measuring variations of blood perfusion in peripheral tissues. We evaluated alterations in PPG signals in relationship to the occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) in patients with epilepsy to evaluate the feasibility of seizure detection.

Methods: During electroencephalographic (EEG) long-term monitoring, patients wore portable wristband sensor(s) on their wrists or ankles recording PPG signals.

Effect of vigabatrin on seizure control and safety profile in different subgroups of children with epilepsy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vigabatrin in pediatric epilepsy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with epilepsy treated with vigabatrin over a 2-year period at a pediatric tertiary center. We assessed the relationship between seizure frequency, etiology, vigabatrin dose, adverse events, medication discontinuation reasons, and electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics.

Anxiety-like behavior in Rett syndrome: characteristics and assessment by anxiety scales.

Background: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by regression of language and motor skills, cognitive impairment, and frequent seizures. Although the diagnostic criteria focus on communication, motor impairments, and hand stereotypies, behavioral abnormalities are a prevalent and disabling component of the RTT phenotype. Among these problematic behaviors, anxiety is a prominent symptom.