Association between Epilepsy and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures: A Case Report

Epilepsy is a very complex disorder of the central nervous system. It is characterized by a sudden, disordered and excessive neuronal shock that causes different clinical evidences with specific related electroencephalogram (EEG). Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) can seriously complicate the diagnosis of epilepsy. The separoxysmal events have the same clinical evidences of epilepsy, such as an impairment of the self-control and a range of sensory, motor and mental manifestations, without the typical related electroencephalogram (EEG) because of the absence of an organic cause. The overwhelming majority of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures are related to psychological factors like dissociation. This is a defense mechanism used to cope stressful events or emotional conflicts. Psychological or psychiatric disorders, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), are frequently associated to Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures. In this article, we present a case report of epilepsy combined with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures. A joint intervention is of great significance in this occurrence. The subject received a psychological assessment including psychometric and projective tools. He stood MMPI-2, Wais-R, SCL-90, Rorschach test and graphic tests. A psychological disorder related to defense mechanisms was identified. The subject presents a tendency to convert his fears and emotive pains in rational and more socially acceptable problems, using his body to express his discomfort. Patient with epileptic seizures should receive a psychological assessment to exclude Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures. Further studies should propose guidelines to integrate neurological, psychiatric and psychological intervention.

A Woman with Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures and Pelvic Mass

MOST cases of encephalitis are caused by viruses but a few have an immunological basis, such as paraneoplastic encephalitis, with specific antibodies identified. One recently characterized encephalitis caused by antibodies is anti-N- methyl-D-aspartate （NMDA） receptor encephalitis. It is a form of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma and has recently been described.The NMDA receptor mediates excitatory neurotransmission. It is important for synaptic plasticity, and thus for higher function such as learning and memory. This disorder results in prominent psychiatric symptoms followed by a rapid decline of the level of consciousness, central hypoventilation, seizures, involuntary movements and dysautonomia.

The first-line management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures(PNES)in adults in the emergency:a practical approach

Distinguishing non-epileptic events,especially psychogenic non-epileptic seizures(PNES),from epileptic seizures(ES)constitutes a diagnostic challenge.Misdiagnoses are frequent,especially when video-EEG recording,the gold-standard for PNES confirmation,cannot be completed.The issue is further complicated in cases of combined PNES with ES.In emergency units,a misdiagnosis can lead to extreme antiepileptic drug escalade,unnecessary resuscitation measures(intubation,catheterization,etc.),as well as needless biologic and imaging investigations.Outside of the acute window,an incorrect diagnosis can lead to prolonged hospitalization or increase of unhelpful antiepileptic drug therapy.Early recognition is thus desirable to initiate adequate treatment and improve prognosis.Considering experience-based strategies and a thorough review of the literature,we aimed to present the main clinical clues for physicians facing PNES in non-specialized units,before management is transferred to epileptologists and neuropsychiatrists.In such conditions,patient recall or witness-report provide the first orientation for the diagnosis,recognizing that collected information may be inaccurate.Thorough analysis of an event(live or based on home-video)may lead to a clinical diagnosis of PNES with a high confidence level.Indeed,a fluctuating course,crying with gestures of frustration,pelvic thrusting,eye closure during the episode,and the absence of postictal confusion and/or amnesia are highly suggestive of PNES.Moreover,induction and/or inhibition tests of PNES have a good diagnostic value when positive.Prolactinemia may also be a useful biomarker to distinguish PNES from epileptic seizures,especially following bilateral tonic-clonic seizures.Finally,regardless the level of certainty in the diagnosis of the PNES,it is important to subsequently refer the patient for epileptological and neuropsychiatric follow-up.

Mental retardation,seizures and language delay caused by new SETD1B mutations:Three case reports

BACKGROUND The SETD1B gene is instrumental in human intelligence and nerve development.Mutations in the SETD1B gene have been linked in recent studies to neurodevelopmental disorders,seizures,and language delay.CASE SUMMARY This study aimed to analyze the clinical manifestations and treatment of three patients suffering from mental retardation,epilepsy,and language delay resulting from a new mutation in the SETD1B gene.Three individuals with these symptoms were selected,and their clinical symptoms,gene test results,and treatment were analyzed.This article discusses the impact of the SETD1B gene mutation on patients and outlines the treatment approach.Among the three patients(two females and one male,aged 8,4,and 1,respectively),all exhibited psychomotor retardation,attention deficit,and hyperactivity disorder,and two had epilepsy.Antiepileptic treatment with sodium tripolyvalproate halted the seizures in the affected child,although mental development remained somewhat delayed.Whole exome sequencing revealed new mutations in the SETD1B gene for all patients,specifically with c.5473C>T(p.Arg1825trp),c.4120C>T(p.Gln1374*,593),c.14_15insC(p.His5Hisfs*33).CONCLUSION Possessing the SETD1B gene mutation may cause mental retardation accompanied by seizures and language delay.Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood,interventions such as drug therapy,rehabilitation training,and family support can assist patients in managing their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life.Furthermore,genetic testing supplies healthcare providers with more precise diagnostic and therapeutic guidance,informs families about genetic disease risks,and contributes to understanding disease pathogenesis and drug research and development.

Neuroimaging features in a patient with non-ketotic hyperglycaemic seizures: A case report

BACKGROUND Non-ketotic hyperglycaemic(NKH)seizures are a rare neurological complication of diabetes caused by hyperglycaemia in non-ketotic and non-hyperosmotic states.The clinical characteristics of NKH seizures are atypical and lack unified diagnostic criteria,leading to potential misdiagnoses in the early stages of the disease.CASE SUMMARY This report presents a rare case of NKH seizures in a 52-year-old male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus.We performed comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)studies at admission,12 d post-admission,and 20 d post-discharge.The imaging techniques included contrast-enhanced head MRI,T2-weighted imaging(T2WI),fluid-attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR),diffusion-weighted imaging,susceptibility-weighted imaging,magnetic reso-nance spectroscopy(MRS),and magnetic resonance venography.At the time of admission,T2WI and FLAIR of the cranial MRI showed that the left parieto-occipital cortex had gyrus-like swelling and high signal,and subcortical stripes had low signal.MRS showed a reduced N-acetylaspartate peak and increased creatine and choline peaks in the affected areas.A follow-up MRI 20 d later showed that the swelling and high signal of the left parieto-occipital cortex had disappeared,and the low signal of the subcortex had disappeared.CONCLUSION This case study provides valuable insights into the potential pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of NKH seizures.The comprehensive MRI findings highlight the potential utility of various MRI sequences in diagnosing and characterizing NKH seizures.

Drosophila models used to simulate human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 disease and refractory seizures

Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase in these diseases,we modified the Drosophila gene homolog,Atpα,to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2.Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1(I592T,A597T,P600T,and D601F)were simultaneously introduced into endogenous Drosophila Atpαby CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,generating the Atpα^(TTTF)model.In addition,the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies(Atpα^(I571T),Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579T),and Atpα^(D580F)).Moreover,a deletion mutation(Atpα^(mut))that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control.Of these alleles,we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes(Atpα^(I571T)and Atpα^(P579T)).Three alleles(Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579)and Atpα^(D580F))can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele.We found that the Atpαallele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila.Flies heterozygous for Atpα^(TTTF)mutations have motor performance defects,a reduced lifespan,seizures,and an abnormal neuronal morphology.These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.

Lights for epilepsy:can photobiomodulation reduce seizures and offer neuroprotection?

Epilepsy is synonymous with individuals suffering repeated“fits”or seizures.The seizures are triggered by bursts of abnormal neuronal activity,across either the cerebral cortex and/or the hippocampus.In addition,the seizure sites are characterized by considerable neuronal death.Although the factors that generate this abnormal activity and death are not entirely clear,recent evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role.Current treatment options include drug therapy,which aims to suppress the abnormal neuronal activity,or surgical intervention,which involves the removal of the brain region generating the seizure activity.However,~30%of patients are unresponsive to the drugs,while the surgery option is invasive and has a morbidity risk.Hence,there is a need for the development of an effective non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment for this disorder,one that has few side effects.In this review,we consider the effectiveness of a potential new treatment for epilepsy,known as photobiomodulation,the use of red to near-infrared light on body tissues.Recent studies in animal models have shown that photobiomodulation reduces seizure-like activity and improves neuronal survival.Further,it has an excellent safety record,with little or no evidence of side effects,and it is non-invasive.Taken all together,this treatment appears to be an ideal treatment option for patients suffering from epilepsy,which is certainly worthy of further consideration.

Neonatal Seizures: Epidemiological, Diagnostic Aspects and Short-Term Outcome at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey, Niger

Introduction: Neonatal seizures are one of the most challenging situations for paediatricians. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological and diagnostic aspects and short-term outcomes of neonatal seizures at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital in Niamey. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study from November 2020 to April 2021 in the neonatology department of Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital. All newborns aged 0 to 28 days hospitalized for seizures and/or having convulsions during hospitalization were included. Neonatal characteristics, diagnostic aspects, and their outcomes were studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Of the 3.068 newborns admitted, 69 cases of neonatal seizures were recorded (2.24%). The sex ratio was 1.22, and 94.2% of neonates were born at term. Generalized crises were found in 50.7%. The main etiologies were perinatal asphyxia (46.4%) and early-onset neonatal infection (40.6%). The death rate was 20.3%. Neonates died between one (1) and three (3) days of age in 42.9%. The main death causes were perinatal asphyxia (50%) and early-onset neonatal infection (21.4%). Conclusion: Neonatal seizures are uncommon frequent, with a semiology dominated by generalized seizures. Mortality is high. The reinforcement of preventive measures is necessary.

Epileptic Seizures in Neonates Treated with Hypothermia for Hypoxo-Ischemic Encephalopathy in Brazzaville, Congo: Types and Evolution

Background: Moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is often treated with hypothermia. However, some neonates may experience epileptic seizures during therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Data on the electrophysiologic and evolutionary aspects of these seizures are scarce in African countries. Objectives: To determine the types of epileptic seizures caused by HIE in neonates in Brazzaville;to describe the evolution of background EEG activities during TH and rewarming;to report the evolution of epileptic seizures. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from January 2020 to July 2022. It took place in Brazzaville in the Neonatology Department of the Blanche Gomez Mother and Child Hospital. It focused on term neonates suffering from moderate or severe HIE. They were treated with hypothermia combined with phenobarbital for 72 hours. Results: Among 36 neonates meeting inclusion criteria, there were 18 boys and 18 girls. Thirty-one (86.1%) neonates had grade 2 and 5 (13.9%) grade 3 HIE. In our neonates, HIE had induced isolated electrographic seizures (n = 11;30.6%), electroclinical seizures (n = 25;69.4%), and 6 types of background EEG activity. During TH and rewarming, there were 52.8% of patients with improved background EEG activity, 41.7% of patients with unchanged background EEG activity, and 5.5% of patients with worsened background EEG activity. At the end of rewarming, only 9 (25%) patients still had seizures. Conclusion: Isolated electrographic and electroclinical seizures are the only pathological entities found in our studied population. In neonates with moderate HIE, the applied therapeutic strategy positively influences the evolution of both seizures and background EEG activity. On the other hand, in neonates with severe HIE, the same therapeutic strategy is ineffective. .

Analysis of the optimal target node to reduce seizure-like discharge in networks

Network approaches have been widely accepted to guide surgical strategy and predict outcome for epilepsy treatment.This study starts with a single oscillator to explore brain activity,using a phenomenological model capable of describing healthy and epileptic states.The ictal number of seizures decreases or remains unchanged with increasing the speed of oscillator excitability and in each seizure,there is an increasing tendency for ictal duration with respect to the speed.The underlying reason is that the strong excitability speed is conducive to reduce transition behaviors between two attractor basins.Moreover,the selection of the optimal removal node is estimated by an indicator proposed in this study.Results show that when the indicator is less than the threshold,removing the driving node is more possible to reduce seizures significantly,while the indicator exceeds the threshold,the epileptic node could be the removal one.Furthermore,the driving node is such a potential target that stimulating it is obviously effective in suppressing seizure-like activity compared to other nodes,and the propensity of seizures can be reduced 60%with the increased stimulus strength.Our results could provide new therapeutic ideas for epilepsy surgery and neuromodulation.

Possible Cortical Spreading Depression Recorded Intraoperatively Following a Generalized Seizure: Illustrative Case

Background: We present a compelling case fitting the phenomenon of cortical spreading depression detected by intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) following an intraoperative seizure during a craniotomy for revascularization. Cortical spreading depression (CSD, also called cortical spreading depolarization) is a pathophysiological phenomenon whereby a wave of depolarization is thought to propagate across the cerebral cortex, creating a brief period of relative neuronal inactivity. The relationship between CSD and seizures is unclear, although some literature has made a correlation between seizures and a cortical environment conducive to CSD. Methods: Intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and electroencephalography (EEG) were monitored continuously during the craniotomy procedure utilizing standard montages. Electrophysiological data from pre-ictal, ictal, and post-ictal periods were recorded. Results: During the procedure, intraoperative EEG captured a generalized seizure followed by a stepwise decrease in somatosensory evoked potential cortical amplitudes, compelling for the phenomenon of CSD. The subsequent partial recovery of neuronal function was also captured electrophysiologically. Discussion: While CSD is considered controversial in some aspects, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring allowed for the unique analysis of a case demonstrating a CSD-like phenomenon. To our knowledge, this is the first published example of this phenomenon in which intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring captured a seizure, along with a stepwise subsequent reduction in SSEP cortical amplitudes not explained by other variables.

Transient Analysis of a Reactor Coolant Pump Rotor Seizure Nuclear Accident

The reactor coolant pump(RCP)rotor seizure accident is defined as a short-time seizure of the RCP rotor.This event typically leads to an abrupt flow decrease in the corresponding loop and an ensuing reactor and turbine trip.The significant reduction of core coolant flow while the reactor is being operated at full load can have very negative consequences.This potentially dangerous event is typically characterized by a complex transient behavior in terms of flow conditions and energy transformation,which need to be analyzed and understood.This study constructed transient flow and rotational speed mathematical models under various degrees of rotor seizure using the test data collected from a dedicated transient rotor seizure test system.Then,bidirectional fluid-solid coupling simulations were conducted to investigate the flow evolution mechanism.It is found that the influence of the impeller structure size and transient braking acceleration on the unsteady head(Hu)is dominant in rotor seizure accident events.Moreover,the present results also show that the rotational acceleration additional head(Hu1)is much higher than the instantaneous head(Hu2).

Temporal lobe malacia as a rare cause of gelastic seizure:A case report

BACKGROUND Gelastic seizure(GS)is a rare type of epilepsy that most commonly appears in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma.It is rarely associated with other types of brain damage.This particular type of epilepsy is relatively rare and has few links to other brain lesions.Temporal lobe malacia is mostly caused by cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage,which can lead to seizures.We report a case of GS in a woman with temporal lobe malacia which was reported for the first time in the literature.CASE SUMMARY A 73-year-old female,diagnosed case of GS,presented with repetitive stereotyped laughter a month prior to presentation,happening multiple times daily and with each time lasting for 5-15s.Electroencephalogram displayed a focal seizure seen in the right temporal region.Magnetic resonance imaging head with contrast showed a right temporal lobe malacia.The patient was started on levetiracetam daily.The patient indicated that they had fully recovered and were not experiencing any recurrent or stereotyped laughter during their daily routines.These results remained consistent even after a one-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION GS can be caused by temporal lobe malacia,which is an uncommon but potentially grave condition.The outcome of this present case exhibited the importance of the temporal lobe in the genesis of GS.

Clinical efficacy of Baijin pills in the treatment of generalized tonicclonic seizure epilepsy with cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND The generalized tonic-clonic seizure(GTCS)is the most usual variety of epileptic seizure.It is mainly characterized by strong body muscle rigidity,loss of consciousness,a disorder of plant neurofunction,and significant damage to cognitive function.The effect of antiepileptic drugs on cognition should also be considered.At present,there is no effective treatment for patients with epilepsy,but traditional Chinese medicine has shown a significant effect on chronic disease with fewer harmful side effects and should,therefore,be considered for the therapy means of epilepsy with cognitive dysfunction.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of Baijin pills for treating GTCS patients with cognitive impairment.METHODS This prospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with GTCS between January 2020 and December 2023 and separate them into two groups(experimental and control)using random number table method.The control group was treated with sodium valproate,and the experimental group was Baijin pills and sodium valproate for three months.The frequency and duration of each seizure,the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA),and the Quality of Life Rating Scale(QOLIE-31)were recorded before and after treatment.RESULTS There were 85 patients included(42 in the control group and 43 in the experimental group).After treatment,the seizure frequency in the experimental group was significantly reduced(P<0.05),and seizure duration was shortened(P<0.01).The total MoCA score in the experimental group significantly increased compared to before treatment(P<0.01),and the sub-item scores,except naming and abstract generalization ability,significantly increased(P<0.05),whereas the total MoCA score in the control group significantly decreased after treatment(P<0.05).The QOLIE-31 score of the experimental group increased significantly after treatment compared to before treatment(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Baijin pills have a good clinical effect on epilepsy with cognitive dysfunction.

Primary Multiple Cerebral Hydatid Cyst in 8 Year-Old Girl: A Rare Cause of Childhood Seizure

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection that occurs worldwide. Humans are infected through ingestion of parasite eggs in contaminated food, water or through direct contact with infected dogs, which are the definite host. Humans serve accidentally as intermediate host, and occurrences are common in children and young adults. Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in Mediterranean, South American, Middle Eastern, Central Asia, East Africa countries and Australia. Multiple cerebral hydatid cysts are very rare with only a few reports in the literature. Case Description: We present the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with focal seizures, hemiparesis, headache, vomiting and bilateral optic atrophy. Diagnostic workup was performed, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple intracranial cysts predominantly in the right frontal region with significant mass effect. A total of 11 intracranial cysts were removed surgically, and the child recovered uneventfully. Conclusion: Neurosurgeons should keep hydatidosis in the list of differentials when evaluating patients with cystic diseases of the brain. Although the removal of such cysts is challenging, outcomes are excellent when cysts are evacuated without rupture and patients show complete resolution of symptoms.

Changes of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels during sleep seizures

Objective Measuring the serum concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH） and cortisol in epileptic seizures during sleep to investigate their link to the EEG changes. Methods Pre-surgical evaluation was performed by videoEEG monitoring using 24 channel recording. Thirty six epilepsy patients could be attributed to two groups： 28 patients had spontaneous seizures, and the other 8 patients whose seizures were induced by bemegride. Another 11 persons with confirmed psychogenic non-epileptic seizures （PNES） served as control group. Blood samples were obtained at five points： wake （08：00 a.m.）, sleep （00：00 a.m.）, and shortly before, during and after an epileptic seizure. The serum ACTH and cortisol were measured and analyzed by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results The levels of ACTH and cortisol in serum underwent significant changes： declining below the average sleep-level shortly before seizures, increasing during seizures, and far above the average wake-level after seizures （P 〈 0.001）. Such changes did not occur in the control group （P 〉 0.05）. The ACTH and cortisol levels had no significant difference between spontaneous group and bemegride-induced group （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion The serum concentrations of ACTH and cortisol during sleep seizures are linked with pre-ictal and ictal EEG changes in epilepsy patients.

Glucocorticoid receptor expression in neonatal rat cortex following recurrent seizures The role in developing brain injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have explored changes in neonatal rat glucocorticoid receptor （GR） expression changes following mature brain injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the temporal and special changes of GR during brain development in rats with recurrent seizures. DESIGN, TIME AND SE＇n＇ING： A randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed at the Department of Pediatrics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, from February 2008 to March 2009. MATERIALS： Rabbit anti-rat GR monoclonal antibody was purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA; goat anti-rabbit IgG was purchased from Zhongshan Goldenbridge Biotechnology, China. METHODS： A total of 48 Sprague-Dawley rats, 7 days old, were randomly assigned to control and seizure groups, with 24 animals in each group. Seizures were induced by inhalant flurothyl. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Changes in GR protein expression in the rat cerebral cortex were detected by Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： GR expression in the cerebral cortex of control rats significantly increased with aging （P 〈 0.05）, and varied in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe. GR was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm early and rapidly increased in the nuclei. GR protein expression in the cerebral cortex after seizure was lower in the cytoplasm at 15 days and in nuclear protein at 19 days. CONCLUSION： GR expression displayed temporal and spatial changes in brain development. Recurrent seizures in neonatal rats cause abnormal GR expression and might play an important role in developing brain injury.

Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis among patients with seizures in northern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India

Objective: To report cases of neurocysticercosis(NCC) from three neighboring districts of Andhra Pradesh state in India where NCC burden was never explored before.Methods: A total of 160 patients presenting with recent onset seizures were recruited from neurology, general medicine, and pediatric outpatient clinics of a local major tertiary care teaching hospital serving above districts during the period 2011–2014. Brain imaging was performed in all the above cases. A commercial immunoglobulin G-ELISA kit(sensitivity = 85%; specificity = 94%) was employed for the serological diagnosis of NCC.Results: The recruited patients presented with generalized, simple partial, and complex partial seizures(55%, 31.25% and 13.75% respectively). NCC was diagnosed in 44 of160(27.5%) seizure cases based on imaging characteristics, and a positive serum antibody ELISA. No association was detected between seropositivity with the number and location of the lesion(s) in the brain.Conclusions: The possible potentiality of NCC could be identified as an underlying cause of the recent onset of seizures in this region as explored in the present study. It is recommended that NCC should be suspected as one of the major differential in every recent onset seizure with or without a radio imaging supportive diagnosis, especially in areas endemic for taeniasis/cysticercosis.

Microglial displacement of GABAergic synapses has endogenous protective function in generation of complex febrile seizures

OBJECTIVE Microglia-mediated dis-placement of synapses has been reported in the setting of experimental neuroinflammation,but its role in neurological disorders is poorly understood.Complex febrile seizures(FS) are the most common infantile seizures,yet its pathological progress is largely unknown.METHODS Mice pups(postnatal 8-10 d) were posted to 43℃ hyperthermia condition to develop FS,and then the latency and threshold of seizures were determined.The displacement of synapses was observed through immunofluorescence staining.We researched whether microglial displacement of GABAergic synapses will influence complex FS-induced increase in GABAergic neurotransmission and neuronal excitability with patch-clamp electrophysiology.Moreover,we used the CD11 bD TR mice to selective ablation of microglia or pharmacological inhibition of microglia to observe their effects on susceptibility to FS and synaptic stripping.RESULTS GABAergic presynaptic terminals surrounding neuronal soma and GABAergic transmissions were increased in complex FS.Meanwhile,the activated microglia ensheathe glutamatergic neuronal soma to displace,but do not phagocytize,GABAergic presynaptic terminals.Patch-clamp electrophysiology established that the microglial displacement of GABAergic synapses reduced complex FS-induced increase in GABAergic neurotransmission and neuronal excitability,while GABA exerts excitatory action in this immature stage.Moreover,pharmacological inhibition of microglial displacement of GABAergic synapses or selective ablation of microglia in CD11 bDTR mice promoted the generation of complex FS.CONCLUSION Displacement of GABAergic synapses by microglia is a protective event in the pathological progress of complex FS.

An insulinoma with clinical and electroencephalographic features resembling complex partial seizures

We described a female patient with insulinoma who experienced recurrent episodes of automatism, confusion and convulsion. Furthermore, her electroencephalography （EEG） findings resembled the pattern in complex partial seizures with secondary generalization. The interictal EEG showed spikes and sharp waves, as well as focal slowing over the left temporal lobe, and the ictal EEG revealed generalized spikes and sharp waves associated with diffused slowing. She was initially misdiagnosed as pharmacoresistant epilepsy. After the insulinoma was found and surgically removed, her EEG turned normal and she was seizure-free during the 4-year follow-up. This report highlights the need for careful reassessment of all seizures refractory to medication, even for the oatients associated with eoileotiform discharges on EEG.