Feyissa, Anteneh M.

AbstractObjectiveNeuromodulation is a viable option for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsies. We reviewed the management of patients with two deep brain neurostimulators. In addition, patients implanted with a device targeting the centromedian‐parafascicular (CM‐Pf) nuclear complex supplements this report to provide an illustrative case to implantation and programming a patient with three active devices.MethodsA narrative review using PubMed and Embase identified patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy implanted with more than one neurostimulator was performed. Combinations of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) were identified. We provide a background of a newly reported case of an adult with a triple implant eventually responding to CM‐Pf DBS as the third implant following suboptimal benefit from VNS and RNS.ResultsIn review of the literature, dual‐device therapy is increasing in reports of use with combinations of VNS, RNS, and DBS to treat patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. We review dual‐device implants with thalamic DBS device combinations, functional neural networks, and programming patients with dual devices. CM‐Pf is a new target for DBS and has shown a variable response in focal epilepsy. We report the unique case of 28‐year‐old male with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy who experienced a 75% seizure reduction with CM‐Pf DBS as his third device after suboptimal responses to VNS and RNS. After 9 months, he also experienced seizure freedom from recurrent focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. No medical or surgical complications or safety issues were encountered.ConclusionWe demonstrate safety and feasibility in an adult combining active VNS, RNS, and CM‐Pf DBS. Patients with dual‐device therapy who experience a suboptimal response to initial device use at optimized settings should not be considered a neuromodulation “failure.” Strategies to combine devices require a working knowledge of brain networks.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Tumor-Related Epilepsy During Tumor Evolution in Patients With IDH Wild-Type Glioblastoma Pallud J, Roux A, Moiraghi A, Aboubakr O, Elia A, Guinard E, Oppenheim C, Tauziede-Espariat A, Parraga E, Gavaret M, Chrètien F, Huberfeld G, Zanello M. Neurology . 2024;102(1): e207902. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207902 Background and Objectives: Tumor-related epilepsy is a well-known symptom of glioblastoma. However, the particular characteristics of epileptic seizures related to glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild-type is almost unexplored longitudinally during the whole course of the disease. We assessed tumor-related epilepsy and seizure control during tumor evolution and the prognostic significance of tumor-related epilepsy. Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective single-center study at one tertiary referral neuro-oncology surgical center (2000-2020). We included adult patients treated for a newly diagnosed supratentorial glioblastoma, IDH-wild-type with available preoperative and postoperative MRI and with available epileptic seizure status at diagnosis. To determine factors associated with tumor-related epilepsy or seizure control, univariate analyses were performed using the χ 2 or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and the unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney rank-sum test for continuous variables. Predictors associated with tumor-related epilepsy and seizure control in unadjusted analysis were entered into backward stepwise logistic regression models. Results: One thousand six patients were enrolled. The cumulative incidence of tumor-related epilepsy increased during tumor evolution (33.1% at diagnosis, 44.7% after oncologic treatment, 52.4% at progression, and 51.8% at the end-of-life phase) and is related to tumor features (cortex involvement, no necrosis, and small volume). Uncontrolled epileptic seizures increased during tumor evolution (20.1% at diagnosis, 32.0% after oncologic treatment, 46.7% at progression, and 41.1% at the end-of-life phase). Epileptic seizure control after oncologic treatment was related to seizure features (uncontrolled before oncologic treatment and focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizures) and to the extent of resection. Epileptic seizure control at tumor progression was related to seizure features (presence at diagnosis and uncontrolled after oncologic treatment) and to the time to progression. Tumor-related epilepsy at diagnosis was a predictor of a longer overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI 0.67-0.90; p < 0.001) independent of age, Karnofsky Performance Status score, tumor location and volume, extent of resection, standard combined chemoradiotherapy, levetiracetam use, and MGMT promoter methylation. Discussion: The progression of tumor-related epilepsy with the evolution of glioblastoma, IDH-wild-type, and the effects of surgery on seizure control argue for proper antiseizure medication and maximal safe resection. Tumor-related epilepsy is an independent predictor of a longer survival.

First Seizure From Sleep: Clinical Features and Prognosis Lawn ND, Pang EW, Lee J, Dunne JW. Epilepsia . 2023;64(10):2714-2724. doi: 10.1111/epi.17712 Objectives: Patients with a first-ever unprovoked seizure commonly have subsequent seizures and identifying predictors of recurrence has important management implications. Both prior brain insult and epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) are established predictors of seizure recurrence. Some studies suggest that a first-ever seizure from sleep has a higher likelihood of recurrence. However, with relatively small numbers and inconsistent definitions, more data are required. Methods: Prospective cohort study of adults with first-ever unprovoked seizure seen by a hospital-based first seizure service between 2000 and 2015. Clinical features and outcomes of first-ever seizure from sleep and while awake were compared. Results: First-ever unprovoked seizure occurred during sleep in 298 of 1312 patients (23%), in whom the 1-year cumulative risk of recurrence was 56.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.3-62.6) compared to 44.2% (95% CI 41.1-47.3, p < .0001) for patients with first-ever seizure while awake. First-ever seizure from sleep was an independent predictor of seizure recurrence, with a hazard ratio [HR] of 1.44 (95% CI 1.23-1.69), similar to epileptiform abnormalities on EEG (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.24-1.76) and remote symptomatic etiology (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.27-1.71). HR for recurrence in patients without either epileptiform abnormalities or remote symptomatic etiology was 1.97 (95% CI 1.60-2.44) for a sleep seizure compared to an awake seizure. For first seizure from sleep, 76% of second seizures also arose from sleep (p < .0001), with 65% of third seizures (p < .0001) also from sleep. Seizures from sleep were less likely to be associated with injury other than orolingual trauma, both with the presenting seizure (9.4% vs 30.6%, p < .0001) and first recurrence (7.5% vs 16.3%, p = .001). Significance: First-ever unprovoked seizures from sleep are more likely to recur, independent of other risk factors, with recurrences also usually from sleep, and with a lower risk of seizure-related injury. These findings may inform treatment decisions and counseling after first-ever seizure.