Acquired parvalbumin-selective interneuronopathy in the multiple-hit model of infantile spasms: A putative basis for the partial responsiveness to vigabatrin analogs?

West syndrome, an age-specific epileptic encephalopathy, manifests with infantile spasms (IS) and impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes and epilepsy. The multiple-hit rat model of IS is a chronic model of IS due to structural etiology, in which spasms respond partially to vigabatrin analogs. Using this model, we investigated whether IS due to structural etiology may have deficits in parvalbumin (PRV) and somatostatin (SST) immunoreactive (-ir) interneurons, and calretinin-ir (CR-ir) neurons of the primary somatosensory cortex of postnatal day (PN) 20-24 rats, using specific immunohistochemical assays.

How do we use in vitro models to understand epileptiform and ictal activity? A report of the TASK1-WG4 group of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force.

In vitro brain tissue preparations allow the convenient and affordable study of brain networks and have allowed us to garner molecular, cellular, and electrophysiologic insights into brain function with a detail not achievable in vivo. Preparations from both rodent and human postsurgical tissue have been utilized to generate in vitro electrical activity similar to electrographic activity seen in patients with epilepsy. A great deal of knowledge about how brain networks generate various forms of epileptiform activity has been gained, but due to the multiple in vitro models and manipulations used, there is a need for a standardization across studies.

Methodologic recommendations and possible interpretations of video-EEG recordings in immature rodents used as experimental controls: A TASK1-WG2 report of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force.

The use of immature rodents to study physiologic aspects of cortical development requires high-quality recordings electroencephalography (EEG) with simultaneous video recording (vEEG) of behavior. Normative developmental vEEG data in control animals are fundamental for the study of abnormal background activity in animal models of seizures or other neurologic disorders. Electrical recordings from immature, freely behaving rodents can be particularly difficult because of the small size of immature rodents, their thin and soft skull, interference with the recording apparatus by the dam, and other technical challenges.

Characteristics of large patient-reported outcomes: Where can one million seizures get us?

Objective: To analyze data from Seizure Tracker, a large electronic seizure diary, including comparison of seizure characteristics among different etiologies, temporal patterns in seizure fluctuations, and specific triggers.

Methods: Zero-inflated negative binomial mixed-effects models were used to evaluate temporal patterns of seizure events (during the day or week), as well as group differences in monthly seizure frequency between children and adults and between etiologies. The association of long seizures with seizure triggers was evaluated using a mixed-effects logistic model with subject as the random effect.

Language development in the pediatric cochlear implant patient.

Objective: To access the long-term outcomes of children implanted during most sensitive period for language development.

Study Design: Literature review.

Method: An initial PubMed search was carried out using the search terms language development and cochlear implant resulted in 1149 citations.

Optimal clinical management of children receiving dietary therapies for epilepsy: Updated recommendations of the International Ketogenic Diet Study Group.

Ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are established, effective nonpharmacologic treatments for intractable childhood epilepsy. For many years KDTs were implemented differently throughout the world due to lack of consistent protocols. In 2009, an expert consensus guideline for the management of children on KDT was published, focusing on topics of patient selection, pre-KDT counseling and evaluation, diet choice and attributes, implementation, supplementation, follow-up, side events, and KDT discontinuation.

Classification of the epilepsies: New concepts for discussion and debate-Special report of the ILAE Classification Task Force of the Commission for Classification and Terminology.

The ILAE Task Force on Classification presents a road map for the development of an updated, relevant classification of the epilepsies. Our objective is to explain the process to date and the plan moving forward as well as to invite further discussion about the newly proposed terms and concepts. Here, we present our response to feedback about the 2010 Organization of the Epilepsies and clarify the reintroduction of the word "classification" to map out a framework for epilepsy diagnosis.