ObjectiveTo understand the relationship between the anatomy and the function of the insula lobe cortex based on the stereo-electro encephalography (SEEG) by direct electric stimulation of the insula cortex performed in the patients who suffered from the refractory epilepsy. MethodsRetrospective review was performed on 12 individuals with refractory epilepsy who were diagnosed in the Department of Functional neurosurgery of RenJi Hospital from December 2013 to September 2015. We studied all the SEEG electrodes implanted in the brain with contacts in the insula cortex. Direct electric stimulation was given to gain the brain mapping of the insula. Results12 consecutive patients with refractory epilepsy were implanted SEEG electrodes into the insula cortex. In all, 176 contacts were in the insula cortex, and 154 were included. The main clinical manifestations obtained by the stimulation were somatosensory abnormalities, laryngeal constriction, dyspnea, nausea, flustered. While somatosensory symptoms were located in the posterior insula, visceral sensory symptoms distribute relatively in the anterior insula, and other symptoms were mainly in the central and anterior part. ConclusionsThe symptoms of the insula present mainly according to the anatomy, but some of them are mixed. In addition, the manifestations of the insula are usually complex and individually.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the value of SEEG and subdural cortical electrodes monitoring in preoperative evaluation of epileptogenic zone. MethodsFeatures of patients using SEEG (48 cases) and subdural cortical electrodes monitoring (52 cases) to evaluate the epileptogenic zone were collected from June 2011 to June 2015. And the evaluation results, surgical effects and complications were compared. ResultsThere was no significant difference between SEEG and subdural cortical electrodes monitoring in identifying the epileptogenic zone or taking epileptic surgery, but SEEG could monitor multifocal and bilateral epileptogenic zone. And there was no significant difference in postoperative seizure control and intelligence improvement (P > 0.05). The total complication rate of SEEG was lower than subdural cortical electrodes monitoring, especially in hemorrhage and infection (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThere was no difference among SEEG and subdural cortical electrodes monitoring in surgical results, but SEEG with less hemorrhagic and infectious risks. SEEG is a safe and effective intracranial monitoring method, which can be widely used.
ObjectiveTo investigate characteristics of motor semiology of epileptic seizure originated from dorsolateral frontal lobe. MethodsRetrospectively analysis the clinical profiles of patients who were diagnosed dorsolateral frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) based on stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and underwent respective surgeries subsequently. Component of motor semiology in a seizure can be divided into elementary motor (EM, include tonic, versive, clonic, and myoclonic seizures) and complex motor (CM, include automotor, hypermotor, and so on). A Talairach coordinate system was constructed in the sagittal series of MRI images in each case. From the cross point of VAC and the Sylvian Fissure, a line was drawn antero-superiorly, which made an angle of 60° with the AC-PC line, then the frontal lobe could be divided into anterior and posterior portion. The epileptogenic zone, which was defined as ictal onset and early spreading zone in SEEG, was classified into three types, according to the positional relationship of the responding electrodes contacts and the "60° line": the anterior, posterior, and intermediate FLE. The correlation of the components of motor semiology in seizures and the location of the epileptogenic zone was analyzed. ResultsFive cases (26.3%) were verified as anterior FLE, among which there were 2 of EM, one of CM, and 2 of EM+CM. In 7 cases (36.8%) of intermediate FLE, there were one of EM, none of CM, and 6 of EM+CM. In the rest 7 cases of posterior FLE, there were 6 of EM, none of CM, and one of EM+CM. Compared with the cases that the epileptogenic zone involved anterior portion, the posterior FLE is more likely to present EM seizures (85.7%), and less likely to show CM components (P < 0.05). And Compared with the anterior FLE and posterior FLE, the intermediate FLE is more likely to present EM+CM seizures (85.7%)(P < 0.05). ConclusionThe motor seizure semiology of dorsolateral FLE has significant correlation with the localization of the epileptogenic zone. Posterior FLE mainly present a pure elementary motor seizure, and once the epileptogenic zone involved anteriorly beyond the "60° line", the component of complex motor seizure would be seen. Intermediate FLE, as its specialty of transboundary, is more likely to show "comprised semiology" of EM and CM. Construction of the "60° line" with AC-PC coordinate system in the MRI images may play an useful role in semiology analysis in presurgical evaluation of FLE.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical value of SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy in patients with posterior cortex epilepsy.MethodsA case of epilepsy secondary to viral encephalitis was reported in this paper, SEEG implantation confirmed that the seizure began in bilateral posterior head, and the right posterior head was the main area of disabling lesion. After a series of complete preoperative neuropsychological assessment, the right posterior head was found to have functional retention. Therefore, we used a minimally invasive radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy to damage epileptic foci.ResultsThe patient were followed up for 2 years after operation, the seizure frequency were significantly reduced, and the patients did not show symptoms of functional loss.ConclusionPosterior cortex epilepsy is common in neonates with brain injury. The localization and lateralization of operation is difficult because its EEG showed bilateral discharges, or the seizures start from both sides of posterior head, meanwhile, posterior head involves functional areas, which makes the operation even more difficult. This minimally invasive treatment destroys the lesion and maximizes the protection of the patient's functional areas, which provides a new surgical approach for bilateral posterior cortex epilepsy in the future, especially for symptomatic epilepsy caused by hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and encephalitis.