Hyperkinetic manifestations in nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Semeiological features and physiopathological hypothesis.
Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy is a syndromic entity that includes paroxysmal episodes with variable semeiology, intensity and duration, representing different aspects of the same epileptic condition. In a large series studied by videopolysomnographic recording at the Department of Neurological Sciences in Bologna, we disclosed four main semeiological patterns: the paroxysmal arousals, brief simple motor phenomena, similar to a sudden arousal, recurring several times per night; the hypermotor seizures, more complex motor episodes with violent motor behaviour, vocalisation, screaming, fearful and repetitive movements of the trunk and limbs; asymmetric, bilateral tonic seizures, which can evoke the seizures from the frontal mesial area; and epileptic nocturnal wanderings, which can mimic sleepwalking episodes.
Tinuper
P
P
Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Ugo Foscolo 7, I-40123 Bologna, Italy. paolo.tinuper@unibo.it
Provini
F
F
Bisulli
F
F
Lugaresi
E
E
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017034:Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D020447:Parasomnias / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017286:Polysomnography; D014741:Video Recording