K-complex-induced seizures in autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine in detail the relations between seizures and K-complexes in autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE).


METHODS
Prolonged continuous video-EEG recording and analysis of 30 seizures in an 18-year-old woman suffering from ADNFLE with a CHRNA4 gene mutation.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven of 30 recorded seizures started just after a K-complex. In nine cases a sound induced a K-complex that was immediately followed by the seizure. Most seizures preceded repetitive and brief ictal restarts.


CONCLUSIONS
Three new characteristics have been observed in this ADNFLE patient: a K-complex is almost invariably present at seizure onset; sounds trigger some seizures; ictal restarts occur often.


CONCLUSIONS
These new observations--the presence of K-complexes at seizure onset and occurrence of sound-triggered seizures--support the view that ADNFLE seizures may be initiated by K-complexes.
El Helou
J
J
AP-HP, Epileptology Unit, Neurology 1 Department, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
Navarro
V
V
Depienne
C
C
Fedirko
E
E
LeGuern
E
E
Baulac
M
M
An-Gourfinkel
I
I
Adam
C
C