Type II focal cortical dysplasia: electroclinical study and surgical outcome in 31 pediatric patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the electroclinical features and surgical outcome of 31 pediatric patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II.

Material And Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of 31 patients with FCD type II followed between 1998 and 2011. We included patients with FCD type II confirmed by histopathological examination with abnormal magnetic resonance imaging and at least 1 year of follow-up.

Intracranial video-EEG and surgery for focal atonic seizures.

Atonic seizures are epileptic attacks characterised by a sudden loss or diminution of muscle tone. Structures corresponding to inhibitory cortical areas, such as the primary negative motor area or the supplementary negative motor area, could be responsible. We present findings observed in a patient with atonic seizures due to focal epilepsy, who underwent intracranial video-EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery, and discuss possible underlying mechanisms.

Vagus nerve stimulation: effectiveness and tolerability in 64 paediatric patients with refractory epilepsies.

Aim: We discuss the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as adjunctive therapy in 64 paediatric patients with refractory epilepsies.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-four patients (34 male and 30 female) implanted with VNS for refractory epilepsy were analysed. Electroclinical features were compatible with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in 46 patients, focal epilepsies in 10 patients, Dravet syndrome in three patients, epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic seizures in three patients, and West syndrome in two.

Hemispherectomy in pediatric patients with epilepsy: a study of 45 cases with special emphasis on epileptic syndromes.

Objective: In this study we report the clinical outcomes of hemispherectomy for epilepsy in pediatric patients with special emphasis on the epileptic syndromes and their etiologies.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively studied 45 patients with medically refractory epilepsy with hemispheric lesions who underwent hemispherectomy at the "Hospital de Pediatría Prof. Dr.

Epilepsy surgery in Argentina: long-term results in a comprehensive epilepsy centre.

Rationale: Epilepsy surgery procedures started in Argentina more than 50 years ago. This is the first comprehensive and systematic survey of epilepsy surgery long-term outcome from our country.

Methods: A descriptive cohort study was conducted between 1998 and 2008 for drug-resistant epilepsy surgery with a minimum of 12 months follow-up (n=110).