Is Interictal EEG correlated with the seizure type in idiopathic [genetic] generalized epilepsies?

We investigated the correlation between different interictal EEG abnormalities observed in patients with idiopathic [genetic] generalized epilepsies [IGEs] and their seizure types. In this cross-sectional study, all patients with the diagnosis of IGE, were recruited in the outpatient epilepsy clinic in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from 2008 through 2010. Demographic variables and relevant clinical and EEG variables were summarized descriptively. Statistical analyses were performed using independent samples T-test, Chi square and Fisher's Exact test to determine potentially significant differences. Three-hundred thirty-six patients were diagnosed ashaving IGE. Interictal EEG findings in patients with generalized tonic-clonic seizure [GTCS] compared to patients without GTCS were not different. Abnormal EEG findings in patients with myoclonic seizures compared to patients without these were not different either. However, normal EEGs were more frequently observed in patients with history of myoclonic seizures [p=0.0001]. EEG findings in patients with absences compared to patients without absences were not different. Interictal EEG cannot differentiate the seizure types and therefore different syndromes of IGEs. Polyspikes, 3-Hz generalized spike-wave [GSW] complexes and 3.5-6 Hz GSW complexes, alone or in combinations, could be observed in various seizure types and syndromes of IGE. The key element in making the correct diagnosis is a detailed clinical history

Depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy, with or without other chronic disorders

Most people with epilepsy lead a normal emotional and cognitive life, however neurobehavioral problems can be found in a large number of patients. This study evaluates the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with epilepsy and determine whether having other chronic somatic illnesses increases the prevalence. Adults with epilepsy were recruited in either the inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit or the Outpatient Epilepsy Clinic at Thomas Jefferson University in 2006. Patients anonymously filled out a questionnaire, included data about age, sex, education, having other chronic illnesses, and degree of seizure control. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale was used to define the presence or absence of anxiety and depression. Two hundreds patients participated, with a mean age of 40.3 +/- 16 years. Nineteen [9.5%] patients had depression and 49 [24.5%] had anxiety. Age, seizure control, and having other chronic illnesses did not have a significant relationship with either depression or anxiety. Gender was significantly related to anxiety, with females displaying greater frequency of anxiety than males. Depression was inversely related to education. It is probable that people with higher education use more effective ways to psychologically and physically adapt to their illness