Inter-hemispheric asymmetry of cerebral flow velocities during generalized spike-wave discharges.
The aim of this study was to verify the symmetry of cerebral blood flow changes during the generalized spike-wave discharges of typical absence seizures. A recording of mean flow velocity in the left and right middle cerebral arteries and of electroencephalographic activity was performed simultaneously in two subjects with multiple daily absence seizures. A total of 12 generalized spike-wave discharges were recorded. Mean flow velocities showed a significant increase during the discharges with respect to baseline. The increase of flow velocity started simultaneously or a few seconds before the discharges. In 91.6 % of all recordings, the percentage increase of mean flow velocity was significantly higher in the left than in the right side (7.03 % +/- 3.3 vs 5.14 % +/- 3.3; p < 0.1). The extent of the following decrease of flow velocity was also significantly greater in the left than in the right side (-16.91 % +/- 8.1 vs -14.07 % +/- 8.3; p < 0.01). These findings show an inter-hemispheric asymmetry in cerebral blood flow during generalized spike-wave discharges in two patients with absence seizures. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography promises to be an interesting approach to detect rapid changes in cerebral hemispheric activity not otherwise recognizable.
De Simone
Roberto
R
Neurological Clinic, Tor Vergata University of Rome.
Placidi
Fabio
F
Diomedi
Marina
M
Marciani
Maria Grazia
MG
Silvestrini
Mauro
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020768:Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*