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Ictal hemiparesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 1999

Russell C Dale
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
J Helen Cross
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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Abstract

Two subjects with ictal hemiparesis are described. Both children presented with evolving paresis associated with seizure activity. Structural neuroimaging remained consistently normal, although EEG demonstrated slow-wave activity, and SPECT scanning in one child showed perfusion asymmetry. Both children had resolution of the hemiparesis when seizure activity was adequately controlled. The historically proposed pathophysiology of ictal hemiparesis is that of inhibition of the somatosensory and motor areas of the cortex. The presence of an evolving hemiparesis and seizure activity associated with normal neuroimaging should prompt consideration of ictal hemiparesis. Confirmation of this rare diagnosis can only be made when seizure control leads to resolution of the paresis.

Type
Case Reports
Copyright
© 1999 Mac Keith Press

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