Cerebral blood flow during spike-wave discharges.
We used the 133xenon method to assess cerebral blood flow (CBF) during generalized spike-wave discharges in a patient with an uncommon form of generalized epilepsy with persistent spike-wave discharges. CBF measurements were made under four conditions with repeated measures: normal EEG, continuous theta state, continuous spike-wave state at rest, and continuous spike-wave discharges during performance of a cognitive activation task. CBF was mildly reduced (5.7%) during the theta state and decreased further (12%) in the spike-wave state. Although globally diminished, CBF was less decreased in the frontal lobes and more decreased in the parietal lobes during spike-wave discharges. CBF increased to baseline levels during the cognitive activation task. The decrease in CBF suggested that the generalized spike-wave discharges caused a net decrease in cortical metabolic demand and neuronal activity. The differences in lobar CBF during spike-wave discharges may reflect lobar disparities in neuronal firing patterns. The theta state noted is novel and intermediate between normal and spike-wave.
Sperling
M R
MR
Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Skolnick
B E
BE
D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013826:Theta Rhythm; D014980:Xenon Radioisotopes
D014980:Xenon Radioisotopes