Hyperkinetic manifestations in nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Semeiological features and physiopathological hypothesis

Neurol Sci. 2005 Dec:26 Suppl 3:s210-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-005-0489-3.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / complications
  • Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperkinesis / diagnosis*
  • Hyperkinesis / etiology
  • Hyperkinesis / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Parasomnias / complications
  • Parasomnias / diagnosis*
  • Parasomnias / physiopathology
  • Polysomnography
  • Video Recording