Bilateral astrocytoma involving the limbic system precipitating disabling amnesia and seizures

Astrocytomas involving the limbic system are usually unilateral in nature. We report a very unusual case where a low-grade astrocytoma originating in the left temporal lobe spread to the right hippocampus through the hippocam pal commissure to cause disabling amnesia and seizures. Some improvement in the memory deficit was facilitated by identification of complex partial st atus epilepticus. EEG should be performed in all patients with lesions of t he limbic system and neuropsychological problems if ongoing seizure activit y is not to be missed. (C) 2000 BEA Trading Ltd.