When in doubt, return to fundamentals (seizure semiology).
Douglas R NordliAlexandra D BeierFernando N GalanPublished in: Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape (2023)
This case of drug resistant focal epilepsy highlights several invaluable teaching points. Hypotheses grounded in seizure semiology provide the best framework to ensure accurate interpretation of diagnostic testing. Without a hypothesis, information gathered from tests can be difficult to linearly piece together and can lead to poor patient outcomes. The case also provides a real-world conundrum of discordant test results that were ultimately rectified by re-visiting the initial hypothesis and cross-testing. Perinatal stroke continues to be a common etiology of drug resistant epilepsy. Patients can achieve seizure freedom and good quality of life with appropriate workup and in appropriate cases, surgery.
Keyphrases
- drug resistant
- multidrug resistant
- acinetobacter baumannii
- temporal lobe epilepsy
- end stage renal disease
- ejection fraction
- minimally invasive
- newly diagnosed
- pregnant women
- atrial fibrillation
- prognostic factors
- chronic kidney disease
- healthcare
- coronary artery bypass
- coronary artery disease
- brain injury
- patient reported
- medical education