Absence-to-bilateral-tonic-clonic seizure: A generalized seizure type.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-6-2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that absence seizures can evolve to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, we documented electroclinical features of this novel seizure type.

METHODS: In 4 large video-EEG databases, we identified recordings of seizures starting with impaired awareness that, without returning to baseline interictal state, evolved to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. We extracted the detailed semiologic and electrographic characteristics of these seizures, and we documented the clinical background, diagnoses, and therapeutic responses in these patients.

RESULTS: We identified 12 seizures from 12 patients. All seizures started with a period of impaired awareness and bursts of generalized spike or polyspike and slow-wave discharges, the hallmark of absence seizures. Without returning to baseline, the nonmotor (absence) phase was followed by tonic-clonic convulsions. We called this novel generalized seizure type absence-to-bilateral-tonic-clonic seizure. Most patients had idiopathic generalized epilepsies, although with a high incidence of unusual features and poor therapeutic response.

CONCLUSIONS: Absence-to-bilateral-tonic-clonic seizures are a novel generalized seizure type. Clinicians should be aware of this seizure for correctly diagnosing patients. This novel seizure type may further elucidate generalized ictogenesis.

Volume

95

Issue

14

First Page

2009

Last Page

2009

ISSN

1526-632X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

32817392

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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