Risk of Seizure Recurrence Due to Autoimmune Encephalitis With NMDAR, LGI1, CASPR2, and GABAR Antibodies: Implications for Return to Driving.

Background And Objectives: Patients with ongoing seizures are usually not allowed to drive. The prognosis for seizure freedom is favorable in patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) with antibodies against NMDA receptor (NMDAR), leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2), and the gamma-aminobutyric-acid B receptor (GABAR). We hypothesized that after a seizure-free period of 3 months, patients with AIE have a seizure recurrence risk of <20% during the subsequent 12 months.

Rehabilitation in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy: A controlled, 1-year follow-up study on a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy (NDE), who had been referred within 1 year after diagnosis.

Methods: We performed an open, prospective, controlled study comparing a 1-year follow-up assessment of patients with NDE after completing a rehabilitation program at an epilepsy center (rehabilitation group) with a control group of patients with similar epilepsy duration, but without rehabilitation in the first year after diagnosis. Primary outcome measures comprised emotional adaptation to epilepsy, depression and anxiety; and secondary outcome measures were overall quality of life (QoL), overall health, perceived restrictions because of epilepsy, level of information about epilepsy, and employment status.

Efficacy of a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program in patients with early versus chronic epilepsy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program in patients with early in comparison with chronic epilepsy.

Methods: We performed a prospective, open pre/post study using a parallel group design. Patients with early epilepsy (EE, treatment with anti-seizure medication [ASM] ≤ 1 year) or with chronic epilepsy (CE, ASM treatment > 5 years) completed questionnaires at the time of their admission to the rehabilitation program and at discharge.

Driving eligibility: Implications of studies on seizure recurrence risk.

Background: Driving is one of the most important issues for patients with seizures. The 2009 European directive provides a framework for evaluating standard situations in assessing the ability to drive. Such a framework may not be sufficient for individual scenarios.

Genetic generalized epilepsies with frontal lesions mimicking migratory disorders on the epilepsy monitoring unit.

Objective: Some patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) may present with ambiguous and atypical findings and even focal brain abnormalities. Correct diagnosis may therefore be difficult.

Methods: We retrospectively collected six patients investigated on the epilepsy monitoring unit with MRI abnormalities mimicking focal cortical dysplasia (FCD-like) or heterotopias, but with semiology and EEG features of GGE.

Patients' perspectives on management and barriers of regular antiepileptic drug intake.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess the management of drug intake and potential barriers to adherence reported by two different patient groups.

Methods: The study was performed in cooperation with the Regional Chamber of Pharmacists of Rhineland-Palatinate and three neurologists in private practice specialized in epileptology. In total, 108 patients surveyed in 43 pharmacies (Group P) and 118 patients treated by the specialized neurologists (Group N) completed anonymously a questionnaire on intake of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Risk factors for early disability pension in patients with epilepsy and vocational difficulties - Data from a specialized rehabilitation unit.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for early disability pension (EDP) in adult patients with epilepsy in a specialized epilepsy rehabilitation setting.

Methods: In a retrospective study, 246 patients with epilepsy and employment difficulties leading to referral to an inpatient rehabilitation unit were evaluated with a questionnaire on admission and after a mean of 2.5years after discharge.

Effects of an inpatient rehabilitation program after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery and other factors on employment 2 years after epilepsy surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a postsurgical rehabilitation program on employment status 2 years after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery in relation to other predictors.

Methods: Employment outcome 2 years after temporal lobe resection in a group of 232 adult patients with the offer of a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation program immediately after surgery ("Reha group") was compared to a group of 119 patients who had surgery before such a rehabilitation program existed. One hundred thirty-nine (59.

Should patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures be allowed to drive? Recommendations of German experts.

In the absence of evidence-based regulations on the driving ability of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), we asked 41 German epileptologists via e-mail for their recommendations on driving with PNES. This survey was modeled on an earlier study by Benbadis et al. in the United States and was compared with it.

Valproic acid-induced hepatopathy: nine new fatalities in Germany from 1994 to 2003.

Purpose: Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) commonly used for generalized and focal epilepsies. We provide an update on hepatotoxic side effects in Germany between 1994 and 2003.

Methods: We mailed a questionnaire to all members of the German Section of the International League Against Epilepsy, asking for VPA-induced side effects, especially severe side effects such as hepatopathy.