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Abdominal epilepsia partialis continua in neurocysticercosis Volume 21, numéro 3, June 2019

TEST YOURSELF

(1) What is the anatomical localisation of abdominal EPC?

(2) What are the aetiological causes of abdominal EPC?

(3) What is the natural course and prognosis of patients with Abdominal EPCs?

(4) What percentage of patients with EPC have normal ictal EEG?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Answers

(1) Abdominal episodes of EPC are usually localised to epileptic foci over the contralateral precentral gyrus adjacent to the leg area. However, a wider peri-Rolandic cortico-subcortical epileptogenic network is likely to be responsible.

 

(2) There are wide-ranging causes of abdominal EPC. The commonest causes are of vascular origin including strokes and venous angiomas. Other causes include focal cortical dysplasia, tumours, and infective causes such as Aspergilloma or inflammatory granuloma.

 

(3) The natural course of abdominal EPC is variable and may be broadly categorised as follows-

1- EPC as a solitary event

2- Chronic repetitive non-progressive EPC

3- Chronic persistent non-progressive EPC

4- Chronic progressive EPC

The prognosis of abdominal EPC depends on underlying aetiology. Patients with a vascular aetiology generally have short-lived episodes with good response to AEDs. But as the present case demonstrates, the course may be protracted and the response to treatment may be suboptimal in patients with inflammatory granulomas.

 

(4) Up to 20% of patients with EPC have a normal ictal EEG which does not preclude a diagnosis of EPC.

 

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