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Introduction Epilepsy surgery is the only curative treatment for patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is the gold standard to delineate the seizure-onset zone (SOZ). However, up to 40% of patients are subsequently not operated as no focal non-eloquent SOZ can be identified. The 5-SENSE Score is a 5-point score to predict whether a focal SOZ is likely to be identified by SEEG. This study aims to validate the 5-SENSE Score, improve score performance by incorporating auxiliary diagnostic methods and evaluate its concordance with expert decisions.Methods and analysis Non-interventional, observational, multicentre, prospective study including 200 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy aged ≥15 years undergoing SEEG for identification of a focal SOZ and 200 controls at 22 epilepsy surgery centres worldwide. The primary objective is to assess the diagnostic accuracy and generalisability of the 5-SENSE in predicting focality in SEEG in a prospective cohort. Secondary objectives are to optimise score performance by incorporating auxiliary diagnostic methods and to analyse concordance of the 5-SENSE Score with the expert decisions made in the multidisciplinary team discussion.Ethics and dissemination Prospective multicentre validation of the 5-SENSE score may lead to its implementation into clinical practice to assist clinicians in the difficult decision of whether to proceed with implantation. This study will be conducted in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (2014). We plan to publish the study results in a peer-reviewed full-length original article and present its findings at scientific conferences.Trial registration number NCT06138808.

Abstract New‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is associated with high mortality, therapy‐resistant epilepsy (TRE), and poor cognitive and functional outcomes. Some patients develop multifocal TRE, for whom surgery with a curative intention, is not an option. In these patients, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is performed as a palliative treatment. We report the long‐term outcomes regarding seizure frequency, functional and cognitive outcome, and effectiveness of VNS in two patients with TRE as a consequence of NORSE. In the first patient with cryptogenic NORSE, VNS implantation occurred during the acute stage, probably contributing to the cessation of her status epilepticus. However, in the long‐term follow‐up, the patient persisted with daily multifocal seizures. In the second patient, VNS implantation was delayed to manage his epilepsy when the NORSE, ultimately due to autoimmune encephalitis, had resolved. During long‐term follow‐up, no reduction in seizure frequency was achieved. This evidence supporting the use of VNS in patients with TRE after NORSE warrants further investigation.

Introduction: Epilepsy is most frequent in children and elderly people. Today’s population is ageing and epilepsy prevalence is increasing. The type of epilepsy and its management change with age. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study comparing patients aged ≥ 65 years with epilepsy diagnosed before and after the age of 65, and describing epilepsy characteristics and comorbidities in each group. Results: The sample included 123 patients, of whom 61 were diagnosed at

Stereoelectroencephalography‐guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG‐guided RF‐TC) is a treatment option for focal drug‐resistant epilepsy. In previous studies, this technique has shown seizure reduction by ≥50% in 50% of patients at 1 year. However, the relationship between the location of the ablation within the epileptogenic network and clinical outcomes remains poorly understood. Seizure outcomes were analyzed for patients who underwent SEEG‐guided RF‐TC and across subgroups depending on the location of the ablation within the epileptogenic network, defined as SEEG sites involved in seizure generation and spread. Eighteen patients who had SEEG‐guided RF‐TC were included. SEEG‐guided seizure‐onset zone ablation (SEEG‐guided SOZA) was performed in 12 patients, and SEEG‐guided partial seizure‐onset zone ablation (SEEG‐guided P‐SOZA) in 6 patients. The early spread was ablated in three SEEG‐guided SOZA patients. Five patients had ablation of a lesion. The seizure freedom rate in the cohort ranged between 22% and 50%, and the responder rate between 67% and 85%. SEEG‐guided SOZA demonstrated superior results for both outcomes compared to SEEG‐guided P‐SOZA at 6 months (seizure freedom p =.294, responder rate p =.014). Adding the early spread ablation to SEEG‐guided SOZA did not increase seizure freedom rates but exhibited comparable effectiveness regarding responder rates, indicating a potential network disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is generally considered to be a state of large-scale synchrony across thalamus and neocortex; however, recent work has challenged this idea by reporting isolated sleep rhythms such as slow oscillations and spindles. What is the spatial scale of sleep rhythms? To answer this question, we adapted deep learning algorithms initially developed for detecting earthquakes and gravitational waves in high-noise settings for analysis of neural recordings in sleep. We then studied sleep spindles in non-human primate electrocorticography (ECoG), human electroencephalogram (EEG), and clinical intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) recordings in the human. Within each recording type, we find widespread spindles occur much more frequently than previously reported. We then analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of these large-scale, multi-area spindles and, in the EEG recordings, how spindle patterns change following a visual memory task. Our results reveal a potential role for widespread, multi-area spindles in consolidation of memories in networks widely distributed across primate cortex.

Abstract Background Hybrid PET/MRI can non-invasively improve localization and delineation of the epileptic focus (EF) prior to surgical resection in medically refractory epilepsy (MRE), especially when MRI is negative or equivocal. In this study, we developed a PET-guided diffusion tractography (PET/DTI) approach combining 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG-PET) and diffusion MRI to investigate white matter (WM) integrity in MRI-negative MRE patients and its potential impact on epilepsy surgical planning. Methods FDG-PET and diffusion MRI of 14 MRI-negative or equivocal MRE patients were used to retrospectively pilot the PET/DTI approach. We used asymmetry index (AI) mapping of FDG-PET to detect the EF as brain areas showing the largest decrease in FDG uptake between hemispheres. Seed-based WM fiber tracking was performed on DTI images with a seed location in WM 3 mm from the EF. Fiber tractography was repeated in the contralateral brain region (opposite to EF), which served as a control for this study. WM fibers were quantified by calculating the fiber count, mean fractional anisotropy (FA), mean fiber length, and mean cross-section of each fiber bundle. WM integrity was assessed through fiber visualization and by normalizing ipsilateral fiber measurements to contralateral fiber measurements. The added value of PET/DTI in clinical decision-making was evaluated by a senior neurologist. Results In over 60% of the patient cohort, AI mapping findings were concordant with clinical reports on seizure-onset localization and lateralization. Mean FA, fiber count, and mean fiber length were decreased in 14/14 (100%), 13/14 (93%), and 12/14 (86%) patients, respectively. PET/DTI improved diagnostic confidence in 10/14 (71%) patients and indicated that surgical candidacy be reassessed in 3/6 (50%) patients who had not undergone surgery. Conclusions We demonstrate here the utility of AI mapping in detecting the EF based on brain regions showing decreased FDG-PET activity and, when coupled with DTI, could be a powerful tool for detecting EF and assessing WM integrity in MRI-negative epilepsy. PET/DTI could be used to further enhance clinical decision-making in epilepsy surgery.

Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La cefalea post-stent carotídeo es aquella cefalea de aparición durante el procedimiento o en las horas posteriores, sin que haya datos de la existencia de una complicación del mismo. El objetivo de este estudio es definir las características de esta cefalea a partir de nuestra experiencia clínica. Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal prospectivo observacional de una muestra de pacientes sometidos a stenting carotídeo en el Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas, factores de riesgo cardiovascular, afectación carotídea y antecedentes de cefalea primaria. Se realizó una entrevista estructurada antes del procedimiento y en las siguientes 24 h. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 56 pacientes con una media de edad de 67 ± 9,52 años; un 84% eran hombres. La cefalea apareció en 12 pacientes (21,4%), siendo el 83,3% hombres con una media de edad de 60,58 ± 9,31 años. En el 58,4% (n = 7) comenzó en las primeras 6 h y en el 33,3% (n = 4) durante el procedimiento. En el 33,3% (n = 4) la duración fue menor de 10 min, y en el 41,7% (n = 5) osciló entre 10-120 min. Localizaron el dolor en la región frontotemporal el 58,3% (n = 7); el 58,3% (n = 7) lo describe como unilateral. Es opresivo en un 66,7% (n = 8), de intensidad moderada en un 50% (n = 6) y el 75% de los pacientes no precisó analgesia. No se observó ninguna relación estadísticamente significativa con las variables estudiadas, excepto la edad (p = 0,007). Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, la cefalea post-stent carotídeo es de intensidad leve-moderada, unilateral, opresiva y de breve duración. Si bien son necesarios más estudios para poder definir mejor sus características y factores de riesgo. Abstract: Introduction and objectives: Headache after carotid artery stenting is a headache with onset during the procedure or in the first few hours after it, and where there is no evidence to suggest a complication of that procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe the main features of these headaches based on our clinical experience. Patients and methods: Observational prospective study of a sample of patients undergoing carotid artery stenting at Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, in Zaragoza, Spain. We recorded sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, carotid artery disease, and history of primary headache; data were gathered using structured interviews completed before and 24 hours after the procedure. Results: We included 56 patients (mean age 67 ± 9.52 years); 84% were men. Twelve patients (21.4%) experienced headache, 83.3% of whom were men; mean age was 60.58 ± 9.31 years. Headache appeared within the first 6 hours in 7 patients (58.4%) and during the procedure in 4 (33.3%). Pain lasted less than 10 minutes in 4 patients (33.3%) and between 10 and 120 minutes in 5 (41.7%). Headache affected the frontotemporal area in 7 patients (58.3%); 7 patients (58.3%) described pain as unilateral. It was oppressive in 8 patients (66.7%) and of moderate intensity in 6 (50%). Nine patients (75%) required no analgesics. We found no statistically significant associations with any of the variables except for age (P = .007; t test). Conclusions: In our sample, headache after carotid artery stenting was mild to moderate in intensity, unilateral, oppressive, and short-lasting. Further studies are necessary to gain a deeper knowledge of its characteristics and associated risk factors. Palabras clave: Stent, Angioplastia carotídea, Cefalea, Factores de riesgo, Keywords: Stenting, Carotid artery angioplasty, Headache, Risk factors

Eating Epilepsy (EE) is a rare and often under-recognized form of reflex epilepsy, which manifests with seizures triggered during meals, with or without spontaneous seizures. The electro-clinical manifestations of EE are distinct with variable response to antiseizure drugs. We report the case of a 34-year-old man who was seen for a 4-year history of drug-resistant focal impaired awareness seizures associated with eating without a structural cause. Scalp video-EEG delineated a right temporal seizure focus with atypical features. Subsequent stereo-EEG revealed synchronized seizure onset from the right mesial temporal region and the right inferior insula. Resective surgery of the involved areas rendered this patient seizure-free with 3 years' follow-up. In non-lesional cases of drug-resistant EE, the epileptogenic zone can be large and deep, and therefore stereo-EEG was helpful in determining the seizure onset zone.

Objective: The objective was to systematically evaluate the current evidence surrounding the effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on quality of sleep and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients with epilepsy. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the Embase and MEDLINE databases. Studies were included if they involved patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy treated with VNS and used validated tools to report on quality of sleep or sleep apnea. The literature search yielded 112 citations related to VNS and sleep quality, and 82 citations related to sleep apnea. Twelve articles were included in the review, of which five measured quality of sleep among patients who underwent VNS, six studies measured sleep apnea, and one study measured both outcomes. Results: Studies measuring quality of sleep used different methods, including sleep quality questionnaires and the percentage of sleep in each cycle. Studies also varied in patient populations, the use of control groups, and whether multiple measurements were taken for each patient. Some studies found improved sleep quality after VNS, whereas others found reductions in deep sleep stages. Additionally, mixed results in sleep quality were found when comparing patients with epilepsy who received VNS treatment versus patients with epilepsy who did not receive VNS treatment. Variables such as VNS intensity and age could potentially confound quality of sleep. Studies measuring sleep apnea consistently found increased proportions of patients diagnosed with OSA or increased sleep index scores after VNS implantation. Significance: Overall, the effect of VNS on quality of sleep remains unclear, as studies were very heterogeneous, although the effect on sleep apnea has consistently shown an increase in sleep apnea severity indices after VNS implantation. Future studies with consistent measures and discussions of confounding are required to determine the effect of VNS on quality of sleep, and the effect of VNS parameters should be further explored among patients who develop sleep apnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen: Introducción: En el tratamiento de la epilepsia existen una serie de comorbilidades y grupos poblacionales (mujeres en edad fértil y ancianos) para los cuales podemos encontrar limitaciones en el manejo y precisar ajustes del tratamiento. Desarrollo: Búsqueda de artículos en Pubmed y recomendaciones de las Guías de práctica clínica en epilepsia y sociedades científicas más relevantes referentes la epilepsia en situaciones especiales (comorbilidades, mujeres en edad fértil, ancianos). Se clasifican las evidencias y recomendaciones según los criterios pronósticos del Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) y de la European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) para las actuaciones terapéuticas. Conclusiones: En las diversas comorbilidades, es necesaria una adecuada selección del tratamiento para mejorar la eficacia con el menor número de efectos secundarios. En la epilepsia catamenial es necesario un ajuste de la medicación antiepiléptica y/u hormonal, para poder controlar correctamente las crisis. La exposición a fármacos antiepilépticos durante la gestación aumenta el riesgo de malformaciones congénitas (MC) y puede afectar al crecimiento fetal y/o al desarrollo cognitivo. En el puerperio se aconseja la lactancia materna, vigilando los efectos adversos si se usan fármacos sedantes. Finalmente, los ancianos son una población muy susceptible de presentar epilepsia y que tiene unas características diferenciales con respecto a otros grupos de edad para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Estos pacientes pueden presentar con mayor frecuencia limitaciones terapéuticas por sus comorbilidades, pero suelen responder mejor al tratamiento y a dosis más bajas que en el resto de grupos de edad. Abstract: Introduction: The characteristics of some population groups (patients with comorbidities, women of childbearing age, the elderly) may limit epilepsy management. Antiepileptic treatment in these patients may require adjustments. Development: We searched articles in Pubmed, clinical practice guidelines for epilepsy, and recommendations by the most relevant medical societies regarding epilepsy in special situations (patients with comorbidities, women of childbearing age, the elderly). Evidence and recommendations are classified according to the prognostic criteria of Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) for therapeutic interventions. Conclusions: Epilepsy treatment in special cases of comorbidities must be selected properly to improve efficacy with the fewest side effects. Adjusting antiepileptic medication and/or hormone therapy is necessary for proper seizure management in catamenial epilepsy. Exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AED) during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects and may affect fetal growth and/or cognitive development. Postpartum breastfeeding is recommended, with monitoring for adverse effects if sedative AEDs are used. Finally, the elderly are prone to epilepsy, and diagnostic and treatment characteristics in this group differ from those of other age groups. Although therapeutic limitations may be more frequent in older patients due to comorbidities, they usually respond better to lower doses of AEDs than do other age groups. Palabras clave: Epilepsia, Comorbilidad, Mujer, Anciano, Embarazo, Teratogenicidad, Keywords: Epilepsy, Comorbidity, Women, Elderly, Pregnancy, Teratogenicity

Introduction: The characteristics of some population groups (patients with comorbidities, women of childbearing age, and the elderly) may limit epilepsy management. Antiepileptic treatment in these patients may require adjustments. Development: We searched articles in Pubmed, clinical practice guidelines for epilepsy, and recommendations by the most relevant medical societies regarding epilepsy in special situations (patients with comorbidities, women of childbearing age, and the elderly). Evidence and recommendations are classified according to the prognostic criteria of Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) for therapeutic interventions. Conclusions: Epilepsy treatment in special cases of comorbidities must be selected properly to improve efficacy with the fewest side effects. Adjusting antiepileptic medication and/or hormone therapy is necessary for proper seizure management in catamenial epilepsy. Exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AED) during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects and may affect fetal growth and/or cognitive development. Postpartum breastfeeding is recommended, with monitoring for adverse effects if sedative AEDs are used. Finally, the elderly are prone to epilepsy, and diagnostic and treatment characteristics in this group differ from those of other age groups. Although therapeutic limitations may be more frequent in older patients due to comorbidities, they usually respond better to lower doses of AEDs than do other age groups. Resumen: Introducción: En el tratamiento de la epilepsia existen una serie de comorbilidades y grupos poblacionales (mujeres en edad fértil y ancianos) para los cuales podemos encontrar limitaciones en el manejo y precisar ajustes del tratamiento. Desarrollo: Búsqueda de artículos en Pubmed y recomendaciones de las Guías de práctica clínica en epilepsia y sociedades científicas más relevantes referentes la epilepsia en situaciones especiales (comorbilidades, mujeres en edad fértil, ancianos). Se clasifican las evidencias y recomendaciones según los criterios pronósticos del Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) y de la European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) para las actuaciones terapéuticas. Conclusiones: En las diversas comorbilidades, es necesaria una adecuada selección del tratamiento para mejorar la eficacia con el menor número de efectos secundarios. En la epilepsia catamenial es necesario un ajuste de la medicación antiepiléptica y/u hormonal, para poder controlar correctamente las crisis. La exposición a fármacos antiepilépticos durante la gestación aumenta el riesgo de malformaciones congénitas (MC) y puede afectar al crecimiento fetal y/o al desarrollo cognitivo. En el puerperio se aconseja la lactancia materna, vigilando los efectos adversos si se usan fármacos sedantes. Finalmente, los ancianos son una población muy susceptible de presentar epilepsia y que tiene unas características diferenciales con respecto a otros grupos de edad para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Estos pacientes pueden presentar con mayor frecuencia limitaciones terapéuticas por sus comorbilidades, pero suelen responder mejor al tratamiento y a dosis más bajas que en el resto de grupos de edad. Keywords: Epilepsy, Comorbidity, Women, Elderly, Pregnancy, Teratogenicity, Palabras clave: Epilepsia, Comorbilidad, Mujer, Anciano, Embarazo, Teratogenicidad

Patients with epilepsy are at elevated risk for premature mortality, of which sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is one of the leading causes. SUDEP incidence varies significantly depending on the population and the methods used to document the cause of death. We performed retrospective case review at the London Health Sciences Centre for the period of 2000 to 2018. Clinical information, scene investigations, general pathology findings, toxicology, and neuropathology findings were obtained, examined, and confirmed by two neuropathologists and one epileptologist. The characteristics were compared and summarized. We also evaluated the impact of 2010 revision of Ontario Coroner Act Regulation, which significantly limited whole brain examination. Among the 12,206 cases reviewed, we identified 152 cases with a known history of epilepsy. Ninety‐seven cases (64%) were classified as SUDEP. There were significantly more SUDEP decedents found dead unwitnessed at night in prone position, than non‐SUDEP. Generalized seizures were strongly associated with SUDEP. A male predominance was observed in SUDEP group between 15 and 35 years old. Near half of the brains examined were "unremarkable." There was no difference in neuropathology findings between SUDEP and non‐SUDEP groups. After implementation of the 2010 revision of Ontario Coroner Act Regulation, fixed whole brain examination was reduced from 88% to 7% of the epilepsy‐related death investigation. Except a lower diagnosis rate of "inflammatory/infectious changes," there were no significant differences in neuropathology findings. This is the first detailed clinical‐pathological study on epilepsy‐related death based on a Canadian cohort. This study reinforces the previously reported findings in SUDEP and highlights the importance of clinicopathological correlation for accurate classification of epilepsy‐related death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is associated with high mortality, therapy‐resistant epilepsy (TRE), and poor cognitive and functional outcomes. Some patients develop multifocal TRE, for whom surgery with a curative intention, is not an option. In these patients, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is performed as a palliative treatment. We report the long‐term outcomes regarding seizure frequency, functional and cognitive outcome, and effectiveness of VNS in two patients with TRE as a consequence of NORSE. In the first patient with cryptogenic NORSE, VNS implantation occurred during the acute stage, probably contributing to the cessation of her status epilepticus. However, in the long‐term follow‐up, the patient persisted with daily multifocal seizures. In the second patient, VNS implantation was delayed to manage his epilepsy when the NORSE, ultimately due to autoimmune encephalitis, had resolved. During long‐term follow‐up, no reduction in seizure frequency was achieved. This evidence supporting the use of VNS in patients with TRE after NORSE warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There are few data on adults living with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), with most studies focusing on pediatric populations. The objective of our study was to examine a large national cohort of adults with TSC, and to describe the clinical characteristics of these adults and the nature of the multidisciplinary care that they receive. Methods: Six Canadian medical centers collaborated in this study. Data were collected using a standardized form, and descriptive statistics were used for the analyses. Results: Our study included 181 adults with definite TSC (mean age = 33.6 years [SD = 13.7]). More than 40% (n = 75) had family members affected by TSC. Forty‐six percent (n = 83) of individuals had intellectual disability. Nearly 30% (n = 52) of individuals reported living alone or with a partner/spouse. Seventy‐six percent (n = 138) of people had epilepsy, 43% (n = 59) of whom had drug‐resistant epilepsy, and 21% (n = 29) had undergone epilepsy surgery. Neuropsychiatric disease (n = 128) and renal angiomyolipomas (n = 130) were both present in approximately 70% of people. Renal imaging was performed in 75.7% (n = 137) of participants within the past 3 years. Renal and pulmonary function tests, as well as electrocardiograms, were recently performed in a minority of individuals. Significance: Our cohort of adults with TSC showed that an important proportion have a milder phenotype, and are more frequently familial, as compared to children with TSC (and differing from prior reports in adult cohorts). Drug‐resistant epilepsy, neuropsychiatric comorbidities, and renal angiomyolipoma are challenging factors in adults with TSC. Our participating medical centers generally followed recommended screening strategies, but there remain important gaps in care. Multidisciplinary and structured TSC care centers offering service to adults may help to improve the health of this important patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: During 24‐hour on‐call shifts medical residents are exposed to diverse circumstances such as sleep deprivation and stress. Objective: Our aim is to assess the effect of 24‐hour on‐call shifts on medical residents' headache‐related disability. Methods: The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), the Headache Impact Test (HIT–6), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires were administered to medical residents who had never performed on‐call shifts at baseline and 6 months after beginning 24‐hour on‐call shifts. Scores were compared. Results: About 66 medical residents completed this study. About 21.2% (n = 14) had history of migraine, 42.4% (n = 28) had a history of tension‐type headache (TTH) and 12.1% (n = 8) had a history of both migraine and TTH. Among medical residents with migraine, the median MIDAS score was significantly higher after starting 24‐hour on‐call shifts than at a baseline (4.0 vs 8.0; Wilcoxon, P =.001), meaning that, on average, disability increased from little or no disability, to moderate disability. No difference in HIT‐6 scores was found. The median score of PSQI and HADS was higher at 6 months (PSQI: 7.0 vs 8.0; P =.003), (HADS: 5.0 vs 8.0; P <.001) for the general group. Conclusions: In medical residents with migraine, migraine‐related disability increased after starting 24‐hour on‐call shifts. We also found a worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms and self‐reported sleep quality in medical residents with and without headache history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a type of neuromodulation device used in medically resistant epilepsy. • Research highlighting the use of VNS during pregnancy is limited. • Current research has found a slight increase of delivery complications compared to the healthy population. • A short series of cases suggest VNS is relatively safe for newborns, but more data is required. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulation device approved for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy. Worldwide, only 35 cases of pregnancies that has been described. This study aims to continue to increase the limited knowledge of the use of VNS during pregnancy. We interrogated the database of the Epilepsy program at Western University (1998–2018), and identified those patients who were implanted with VNS and became pregnant. From 114 patients implanted with VNS in our centre, four patients had a total of seven pregnancies. This is the first report with one woman implanted with VNS having three pregnancies. Three patients had genetic generalized epilepsy and one focal epilepsy due to periventricular nodular heterotopia. The median duration since implantation was 3.17 years (IQR: 1.33–4.33) and the output was 2.75 mA (IQR: 1.5–3.5). No modifications in stimulation settings were made in any patient during pregnancy. Three patients had obstetric complications, requiring c-sections. All babies were healthy, except one with intellectual disabilities of unclear severity. Our small sample suggests VNS could increase the obstetrical complications, but is likely safe for the fetus. However, a larger sample size should be collected to determine safety and potential teratogenicity of VNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Most Canadian respondents recommended between 1 and 4 mg of folic acid for prepartum women with epilepsy (WWE). • Lamotrigine and levetiracetam were the most commonly prescribed medications for WWE with focal or generalized epilepsies. • Most respondents offered therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) at some point during pregnancy, but only 50% of participants offered monthly TDM regimens. • Canadian practice patterns conform well to current guidelines and practice parameters on the care of WWE. Approximately 150,000 Canadian women live with epilepsy, a population that presents with unique challenges. Our objective was to capture demographic and real-world practice characteristics of Canadian healthcare professionals providing care for women with epilepsy (WWE) with specific focus on reproductive considerations to identify potential gaps in knowledge and care. A questionnaire developed by the Canadian League Against Epilepsy WWE workgroup was distributed to Canadian healthcare professionals from February 2021 to October 2022 to capture participant demographic characteristics and practice patterns in key areas of the reproductive cycle in WWE. A total of 156 participants completed the questionnaire, most being physicians (81.4%), epilepsy specialists (69.0%), and those who cared for adult patients (86.5%), with a significant proportion based at an academic center (65.4%). The majority of participants counselled on folic acid supplementation (89.7%). Participants selected lamotrigine and levetiracetam most frequently for either focal or generalized epilepsies during pregnancy. Additionally, 85.9% performed therapeutic drug monitoring during pregnancy. Almost all practitioners always or often counseled WWE on valproic acid on the benefits of switching to a less teratogenic medication (96.2%). Some geographic variability in practice patterns was noted with valproic acid being one of the top three medications selected for patients with generalized epilepsies in Western regions, although participants in Eastern regions had brivaracetam more commonly included as one of their top three agents for this population. This is the first report of real-world Canadian practices in epilepsy care for women in pregnancy. Overall, our study reports that Canadian practice patterns conform well to current evidence and best-practice guidelines. Important variations in antiseizure medication selection across different regions were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bilateral ictal onset is associated with poor surgical outcomes. • The influence of seizure clusters on the laterality of seizures is controversial. • Three patients with bilateral ictal onset by SEEG were seizure free after surgery. • The discordant seizures were provoked by the clustering effect. • Seizure clusters may not be reliable to lateralize the EZ. To determine if the ictal onset recorded with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) during clusters of seizures is reliable to identify the laterality of the epileptogenic zone. In the presurgical evaluation of patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy, the presence of bilateral ictal onset is usually associated with a poor surgical outcome. It has been reported that the laterality of seizures can be influenced during seizure clusters, although this remains controversial. Most studies have addressed this issue using scalp EEG which could erroneously determine the laterality of the ictal onset. We examined all consecutive patients who underwent SEEG with bilateral hemispheric coverage at our institution between January 2013 and September 2018. We assessed the presence of seizure clusters (clinical or subclinical), their laterality by SEEG and the surgical outcome of the patients. A descriptive clinical and electrographic analysis was performed. Of 143 patients who underwent SEEG recordings, we identified only six patients who had bilateral ictal onset that went on to resective surgery. In all six patients the discordant seizures occurred during a seizure cluster. Three of these patients were seizure free at last follow up. Discordant seizures obtained during a seizure cluster may not necessarily mean that the patient has bilateral epilepsy, and therefore a poor post-surgical outcome. Seizure clusters may not reliably lateralize the epileptogenic zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The proportion of patients becoming seizure-free after epilepsy surgery has stagnated. Large multi-center stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) datasets can allow comparing new patients to past similar cases and making clinical decisions with the knowledge of how cases were treated in the past. However, the complexity of these evaluations makes the manual search for similar patients impractical. We aim to develop an automated system that electrographically and anatomically matches seizures to those in a database. Additionally, since features that define seizure similarity are unknown, we evaluate the agreement and features among experts in classifying similarity. Approach. We utilized 320 SEEG seizures from 95 consecutive patients who underwent epilepsy surgery. Eight international experts evaluated seizure-pair similarity using a four-level similarity score. As our primary outcome, we developed and validated an automated seizure matching system by employing patient data marked by independent experts. Secondary outcomes included the inter-rater agreement (IRA) and features for classifying seizure similarity. Main results. The seizure matching system achieved a median area-under-the-curve of 0.76 (interquartile range, 0.1), indicating its feasibility. Six distinct seizure similarity features were identified and proved effective: onset region, onset pattern, propagation region, duration, extent of spread, and propagation speed. Among these features, the onset region showed the strongest correlation with expert scores (Spearman's rho = 0.75, p < 0.001). Additionally, the moderate IRA confirmed the practicality of our approach with an agreement of 73.9% (7%), and Gwet's kappa of 0.45 (0.16). Further, the interoperability of the system was validated on seizures from five centers. Significance. We demonstrated the feasibility and validity of a SEEG seizure matching system across patients, effectively mirroring the expertise of epileptologists. This novel system can identify patients with seizures similar to that of a patient being evaluated, thus optimizing the treatment plan by considering the results of treating similar patients in the past, potentially improving surgery outcome., (Creative Commons Attribution license.)

Introduction: Epilepsy surgery is the only curative treatment for patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is the gold standard to delineate the seizure-onset zone (SOZ). However, up to 40% of patients are subsequently not operated as no focal non-eloquent SOZ can be identified. The 5-SENSE Score is a 5-point score to predict whether a focal SOZ is likely to be identified by SEEG. This study aims to validate the 5-SENSE Score, improve score performance by incorporating auxiliary diagnostic methods and evaluate its concordance with expert decisions., Methods and Analysis: Non-interventional, observational, multicentre, prospective study including 200 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy aged ≥15 years undergoing SEEG for identification of a focal SOZ and 200 controls at 22 epilepsy surgery centres worldwide. The primary objective is to assess the diagnostic accuracy and generalisability of the 5-SENSE in predicting focality in SEEG in a prospective cohort. Secondary objectives are to optimise score performance by incorporating auxiliary diagnostic methods and to analyse concordance of the 5-SENSE Score with the expert decisions made in the multidisciplinary team discussion., Ethics and Dissemination: Prospective multicentre validation of the 5-SENSE score may lead to its implementation into clinical practice to assist clinicians in the difficult decision of whether to proceed with implantation. This study will be conducted in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (2014). We plan to publish the study results in a peer-reviewed full-length original article and present its findings at scientific conferences., Trial Registration Number: NCT06138808., Competing Interests: AA-R has no conflict of interest related to this work. Outside of the submitted work, she acted as a paid consultant for Epilog and received travel support and speaker's honoraria from Eisai. PP has received speaker honoraria or consultancy fees to his institution from Chiesi, Eisai, LivaNova, Novartis, Sun Pharma, Supernus and UCB Pharma, outside the submitted work. He is an Associate Editor for Epilepsia Open. Furthermore, he is supported by an Emerging Leadership Investigator Grant from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (APP2017651), The University of Melbourne, Monash University, the Austin Medical Research Foundation and the Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation. VV has participated in advisory boards and symposium organised by Angellini, Bial, Biocodex, Eisai, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Paladin, Takeda, UCB, Xenon. AU has served as a consultant for Neuropace. JC serves on the scientific advisory board at NeuroOne Medical Technologies. SS received speaker honoraria and consultancy fees from Greenwich, Neurelis, SK Life Science, Bioserenity, Monteris and UCB outside the submitted work. ASM has received speaker honoraria and consultancy fees from Paladin and Jazz Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. GZ gratefully acknowledges the support of the WISS 2025 project ‘IDA-Lab Salzburg’ (20204-WISS/225/197-2019 and 20102-F1901166-KZP). ET reports personal fees from EVER Pharma, Marinus, Argenix his institution has received grants from Biogen, UCB Pharma, Eisai, Red Bull, Merck, Bayer, the European Union, FWF Österreichischer Fond zur Wissenschaftsforderung, Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Forschung and Jubilaumsfond der Österreichischen Nationalbank outside the submitted work. BF has no conflict of interest in relation to this work. Outside of this work, she received honoraria for speaking engagements/advisory board meetings from UCB, UNEEG, Paladin labs, Eisai and Natus. Furthermore, she received a project grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (PJT-175056) as well as Start-up Funding from Duke University. All other coauthors report no conflict of interest related to this work., (Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: In the presurgical evaluation of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), occasionally, patients do not experience spontaneous typical seizures (STS) during a stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) study, which limits its effectiveness. We sought to identify risk factors for patients who did not have STS during SEEG and to analyze the clinical outcomes for this particular set of patients., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with DRE who underwent depth electrode implantation and SEEG recordings between January 2013 and December 2018., Results: SEEG was performed in 155 cases during this period. 11 (7.2%) did not experience any clinical seizures (non-STS group), while 143 experienced at least one patient-typical seizure during admission (STS group). No significant differences were found between STS and non-STS groups in terms of patient demographics, lesional/non-lesional epilepsy ratio, pre-SEEG seizure frequency, number of ASMs used, electrographic seizures or postoperative seizure outcome in those who underwent resective surgery. Statistically significant differences were found in the average number of electrodes implanted (7.0 in the non-STS group vs. 10.2 in STS), days in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (21.8 vs. 12.8 days) and the number of cases that underwent resective surgery following SEEG (27.3% vs. 60.8%), respectively. The three non-STS patients (30%) who underwent surgery, all had their typical seizures triggered during ECS studies. Three cases were found to have psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. None of the patients in the non-STS group were offered neurostimulation devices. Five of the non-STS patients experienced transient seizure improvement following SEEG., Significance: We were unable to identify any factors that predicted lack of seizures during SEEG recordings. Resective surgery was only offered in cases where ECS studies replicated patient-typical seizures. Larger datasets are required to be able to identify factors that predict which patients will fail to develop seizures during SEEG., (© 2023 International League Against Epilepsy.)

Background and Objectives: Patients with epilepsy have long sought alternatives to conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs) for the treatment of their epilepsy and to improve the significant side effect burden of ASMs and comorbidities. It was established before the legalization of marijuana in Canada in 2018 that many patients with epilepsy use marijuana to treat their seizures or for recreational purposes. However, there exists no current data on the prevalence and habits of marijuana use in the Canadian epilepsy population since legalization., Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of patients recruited through health care providers or epilepsy organizations to investigate marijuana usage habits and perceptions., Results: From 395 responses obtained through the survey, 221 responses stated that they used marijuana within the past year. A history of seizures for more than 10 years was noted in 50.7% (n = 148) patients with generalized seizures being the most common type (n = 169; 57.1%). Most of them (n = 154; 52.0%) had tried 3 or more ASMs, and 37.2% (n = 110) used various other treatments (ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, or resective surgery) indicating a proportion with drug-resistant epilepsy. This subgroup was more likely to have started using marijuana for drug-resistant epilepsy ( p < 0.001). Current marijuana use for epilepsy management was endorsed by 47.5% (n = 116). Marijuana was "somewhat" to "very" effective at reducing seizure frequency for 60.1% (n = 123). The main side effects of marijuana were impaired thinking (n = 40; 17.17%), anxiety (n = 37; 15.74%), and altered hunger (n = 36; 15.32%). Marijuana was used at least once daily by 70.3% (n = 168) with the median amount per week being 5.0 g (IQR = 1-10), and the preferred method of consumption was smoking (n = 83; 34.7%). The participants expressed concerns regarding financial strain (n = 108; 36.5%), lack of recommendation from a doctor (n = 89; 30.1%), and lack of information (n = 56; 18.9%) surrounding marijuana use., Discussion: This study reveals a high prevalence of marijuana use among patients with epilepsy living in Canada particularly when seizures are drug resistant. A significant proportion of patients reported improvement of seizures with marijuana use, consistent with previous studies. With the increased accessibility of marijuana, it is imperative that physicians are aware of marijuana usage habits among patients with epilepsy., Competing Interests: The authors report no relevant disclosures. Full disclosure form information provided by the authors is available with the full text of this article at Neurology.org/cp., (© 2023 American Academy of Neurology.)