Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is the best defined focal symptomatic epilepsy syndrome. Most children with this syndrome have HS, which is visible on MRI, and about 40% of these have a history of prolonged febrile seizures. Typical seizures start at school age or earlier, and include an initial rising epigastric sensation with fear, oro-alimentary automatisms (chewing, swallowing, lip smacking), alteration of consciousness with staring, and postictal confusion. Aphasia is often observed when the dominant hemisphere is involved. In infants and small children, reduction of motor activity might be the prominent feature, without automatisms (hypomotor seizures). Interictal EEG can be normal or show unilateral or bilateral temporal abnormalities. Memory disturbances are common. Drug resistance is frequent. Anterior temporal lobectomy or more selective resections give excellent results in about 80% of children.

If you have a child who you think may have this condition and you would like us to review the diagnosis or provide genetic testing please contact us at neuroscience@meyer.it.