Hemifacial seizure of cerebellar ganglioglioma origin: Seizure control by tumor resection

Citation
Jh. Chae et al., Hemifacial seizure of cerebellar ganglioglioma origin: Seizure control by tumor resection, EPILEPSIA, 42(9), 2001, pp. 1204-1207
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
EPILEPSIA
ISSN journal
00139580 → ACNP
Volume
42
Issue
9
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1204 - 1207
Database
ISI
SICI code
0013-9580(200109)42:9<1204:HSOCGO>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
The cerebellum is known to have an inhibitory effect on seizures. Neverthel ess, cerebellar dysplastic lesions can be epileptogenic. A 4-month-old infa nt had paroxysmal facial contractions; tachypnea and nystagmoid eyeball and tremulous movements were occasionally combined. These evolved to stereotyp ic clinical patterns and frequencies, which increased despite administratio n of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstra ted a mass arising from the superior cerebellar peduncle, although video-sc alp EEG monitoring revealed no abnormal findings. Positron emission tomogra phy with [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose revealed focal hypermetabolism in the sam e area identified by MRI. A depth electrode implanted in the mass revealed focal spike-and-wave discharges. The lesion was partly removed, pathologic diagnosis was ganglioglioma. Because of incomplete seizure control and resi dual tumor visible on MRI, a second operation was performed. After complete excision of the tumor, the patient became seizure free without AEDs. This case confirms the presence of seizure originating from the cerebellum and e mphasizes the need for the complete removal of an epileptogenic lesion.