Interhemispheric threshold differences in idiopathic generalized epilepsies with versive or circling seizures determined with focal magnetic transcranial stimulation
U. Aguglia et al., Interhemispheric threshold differences in idiopathic generalized epilepsies with versive or circling seizures determined with focal magnetic transcranial stimulation, EPILEPSY R, 40(1), 2000, pp. 1-6
The interhemispheric difference of the motor-cortical threshold (IDMT) was
studied with focal magnetic transcranial stimulation (TCS) in ten patients
with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) who also displayed versive or ci
rcling seizures (IGEvc). The data were compared with those obtained from tw
o control groups; 13 patients with IGE without asymmetrical motor seizures,
and 25 normal volunteer subjects. The IDMT, referred to as the percentage
of maximum stimulator output, was assessed by focal TCS applied to the hand
areas. Seven patients with IGEvc and only one patient with IGE had an inte
rhemispheric motor threshold beyond the normal range. The IDMT in IGEvc pat
ients was significantly higher compared to that of IGE patients and normal
individuals. An interhemispheric imbalance of cortical excitability may exp
lain lateralized ictal motor manifestations in patients with IGEvc. (C) 200
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