<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0010_s_001"><h3>Introduction</h3><p>The current knowledge of significance of some neurobiological and clinical variables for the development of cognitive deterioration in patients with epilepsy remains sparse and controversial.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0010_s_002"><h3>Aim</h3><p>The current study has been carried out in order to elucidate the role of handedness in terms of influence on cognitive processing and intelligence in patients with epilepsy.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0010_s_003"><h3>Material and methods</h3><p>One hundred and thirty two patients (62 males, 70 females, aged 27.8 ± 8.9 years) with epilepsy participated in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group included 112 patients that were characterized by intelligence and cognitive impairment while the second group (20 patients) had no mental deterioration and was regarded as controls. The two diagnostic categories accorded with ICD-10 criteria. The diagnosis of Dementia (F-02.8) was confirmed in 54 patients, while the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (F-06.7) was confirmed in 58 patients.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0010_s_004"><h3>Results</h3><p>Our results show that the level of left-handers among patients with cognitive Impairment achieved 14.2%, whilst in the group without cognitive deterioration there were no left-handers, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.051). An analysis of possible influence of motor lateralization on degree of cognitive deterioration, revealed that left-handedness determines the higher degrees of intelligence deterioration compared with right-handedness (χ<sup>2</sup>=6.64; p &lt; 0,05). These data were confirmed by use of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tests, and all left-handed epilepsy patients achieved lower scores on MMSE, total WAIS, as well as verbal and nonverbal WAIS scores.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0010_s_005"><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our data confirm a role of some neurobiological variables, with emphasis on cerebral motor lateralization, in their influence upon intelligence level and cognitive deterioration in epilepsy. These data may be used for predictive purposes of intelligence assessment in patients with epilepsy.</p></sec></abstract>

Handedness, cognitive processing and intelligence in patients with epilepsy

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0011_s_001"><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Genetic findings in several epilepsy syndromes provide insights into the pathophysiology of specific subtypes of epilepsy and into mechanisms of epileptogenesis, because the genes encoding ion channels, and proteins associated to the vesical synaptic cycle, or involved in energy metabolism, influence neuronal excitability.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0011_s_002"><h3>Aim</h3><p>The following aspects of genetic epilepsies will be discussed: new proposed “organization of the epilepsies”, genetic and other etiologies, electroclinical syndromes and their genetics and genetic testing in the epilepsies.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0011_s_003"><h3>Methods</h3><p>The updated review is based on OMIM™ (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man).</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0011_s_004"><h3>Review and remarks</h3><p>Because of the vast genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, bridging genotype and phenotype remains a major challenge in epilepsy genetics. The so-called “idiopathic” epilepsies are genetically determined. The new ILAE proposal on the “organization” of the epilepsies takes into account the genetic advances. However, despite proposed changes in the nomenclature, the concept of the electroclinical syndrome, i.e. seizure types, age-dependent onset, electroencephalographic criteria, and concomitant symptoms, such as movement disorders or developmental delay, remain important criteria to group the epilepsies. Although also the differentiation “generalized” versus “focal” is nowadays discussed critically, for practical reasons these categories remain valid. Similarly the categories “benign” syndromes of early childhood, epileptic encephalopathies, and fever-associated syndromes, have their utility.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0011_s_005"><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The large number of genetic defects in the epilepsies complicates their analysis. However, it is anticipated that novel genetic methods, that are able to analyze all known genes at a reasonable price, will help identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues, including prognostic and genetic counseling. Today it is already possible to include into genetic testing genes responsible for the side effects of AEDs. In addition, for some epilepsy phenotypes it has became possible to predict the most efficacious antiepileptic drugs for patients based on their genetic makeup. Thus, the development of individualized medicine is expected to greatly improve the management of epilepsy patients.</p></sec></abstract>

Genetic epilepsies. Remarks on the proposed “Organization of the Epilepsies”<sup>*</sup>

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0012_s_001"><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Social knowledge about epilepsy has significant influence on shaping attitudes towards people with this disorder.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0012_s_002"><h3>Aim</h3><p>The aim of the article was to find out an answer to the following question: How does the level of knowledge and perceiving people with epilepsy differ across societies of different countries?</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0012_s_003"><h3>Material and methods</h3><p>We evaluated 30 publications published between 2000 and 2013 on measuring the knowledge about epilepsy and psycho-social functioning of people with epilepsy. The articles were divided into five groups (including five continents): Europe-14 articles: six from Poland and eight from other countries, one from New Zealand, five from America, six from Asia and four from Africa.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0012_s_004"><h3>Discussion and conclusions</h3><p>Despite widespread occurrence of the disorder in the world, the level of knowledge about epilepsy is low. Most authors, but also respondents, still postulate the necessity to introduce education on the matter to various age groups. The best form of communication used by the respondents is the media.</p></sec></abstract>

Current knowledge about epilepsy and associated psychosocial conditions

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0013_s_001"><h3>Introduction</h3><p>One of the most common neurological disorders is epilepsy, characterised by recurrent spontaneus seizures. Although not fully efficient in ca 30% of patients, pharmacologic treatment of epilepsy plays an important therapeutic approach not only against epilepsy.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0013_s_002"><h3>Aim</h3><p>To provide data on the mechanism of action, activity and neuroprotective efficacy in experimental conditions, clinical efficacy against epilepsy and non-epileptic diseases of major, classical and newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs – lamotrigine, topiramate, levetiracetam, valproate and carbamazepine).</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0013_s_003"><h3>Methods</h3><p>A literature search for publications written in English, preferably published within a period of the last fifteen years, using the key words listed below.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0013_s_004"><h3>Review</h3><p>The majority of AEDs possess more than one mechanism of action. They exert their effect by acting on various receptors (different types of glutamatergic and mainly GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors), neurotransmitters (mainly glutamate or GABA) and voltage-gated ion channels (sodium or calcium ion channels). All reviewed AEDs possess neuroprotective activity, the weakest being carbamazepine. Apart from epilepsy, AEDs may be also used in the pharmacotherapy of migraine, neuropathic pain, spasticity, psychiatric disorders and Parkinsons’s or Alzheimer’s diseases.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0013_s_005"><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>As highlighted above, around 30% of epileptic patients do not substantially benefit from AEDs. It is possible that rational combinations of AEDs, based upon experimental studies, could improve this outcome. The neuroprotective effects of AEDs may point to their disease-modifying activity.</p></sec></abstract>

Selected classical and novel antiepileptic drugs – mechanisms of action, neuroprotection, and effectiveness in epileptic and non-epileptic conditions

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0014_s_001"><h3>Introduction</h3><p>A significant number of patients suffering from epilepsy prove to be resistant to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Recent studies, however, suggest that 10–20% of seemingly drug resistant patients may still become seizure-free under the influence of subsequent dosage modifications.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0014_s_002"><h3>Case report</h3><p>We report on a young man with cryptogenic focal epilepsy. He had his first seizure at the age of fifteen. His seizure frequency was decreased during the following 11 years. However, seizure-freedom was never achieved even though he was treated with twelve to fourteen different AEDs during this time. Intensive presurgical evaluations did not allow identification of a surgically remediable focus. Adjunctive treatment with lacosamide 400 mg/day was not successful. However, the patient became seizure-free immediately after an increase of the lacosamide dose up to 500 mg/day. The patient is now seizure-free for more than two years based on a combination of 500 mg lacosamide and 350 mg lamotrigine, followed by 550 mg and 250 mg, respectively.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2015-0014_s_003"><h3>Discussion and conclusion</h3><p>This case report highlights that there is always a chance that modifying the medication can result in a drug-resistant epilepsy patient experiencing a significant reduction of seizures and becoming seizure-free. The decisive step in this example was the off-label prescription of a high dose of lacosamide which the patient tolerated well.</p></sec></abstract>

Successful treatment with adjunctive lacosamide in a patient with long term “drug resistant” focal epilepsy

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Journal of Epileptology

 The Journal of Epileptology – published since 2013 - is an international, open access peer reviewed scientific journal that publishes articles of clinical and experimental epilepsy.   The following categories of epilepsy related topics are accepted for publications: medical hypotheses, basic research, clinical research, reviews and special reports, product investigation, diagnostic and medical technology, case reports, letters to Editor, reports from international and local activities.   The aim of the journal is to widen the international community of readers, research and clinicians interested in various aspects of epilepsy and disseminate interdisciplinary knowledge in all fields related to epilepsy.   The Journal of Epileptology is owned by the Foundation of Epileptology which was established in 1993 by Professor Jerzy Majkowski. The Foundation of Epileptology is the first non-governmental organization in Poland whose priority is to improve the quality of life of persons with epilepsy by improving the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of doctors and by shaping a positive attitude to epilepsy among the public. The Foundation, led by this idea, brings together physicians, psychologists, scientists and academics, social activists and other people who wish to contribute to the development of epileptology and thus provide medical assistance to persons with epilepsy.     About Society   The Foundation of Epileptology was established in 1993 by Professor Jerzy Majkowski who also founded the Department of Neurology and Epileptology at the Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education (CMKP) in 1988. The Foundation of Epileptology is the first non-governmental organisation in Poland to have as its priority the improvement of quality of life of epileptic patients by means of furthering doctors' diagnostic and therapeutic mastery and developing a positive approach to epilepsy among the general public. The Foundation, led by this idea, attracts physicians, psychologists, researchers and academics, social activists and other persons who wish to contribute to the development of epileptology and thereby bring medical assistance to people suffering from epilepsy. The Foundation of Epileptology was registered in the Foundation Register of the District Court for the Municipality of Warsaw on 16 March 1993 and thereby acquired legal status. The Founder appointed the Foundation Council and the Foundation Executive Committee.   The Foundation of Epileptology co-operates with the Polish Society of Epileptology, the Warsaw-based Society for Victims of Epilepsy and their Friends "Calm Head" (Spokojna Głowa) and other domestic and foreign organisations with similar goals. The Foundation of Epileptology is a member of the European Epilepsy Academy (EUREPA) and Professor Majkowski is co-organiser and member of the first Executive Committee and is now a member of the EUREPA Research Advisory Committee. The Executive Committee of the Polish Society of Epileptology shares its headquarters with the Epilepsy Foundationv   Archiving   The archiving of issues published from 2013 to 2017 will occur, and thus all issues published in the current form of the Journal will become available on-line. However, the issues published quarterly under the journal’s earlier name of Epileptologia during 1993 to 2012 will be successively attached and published on journal’s website www.journal-epileptology.com.   Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.   Plagiarism Policy   The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 

Journal of Epileptology

Volume 22 (2014): Issue 1 (June 2014)

Handedness, cognitive processing and intelligence in patients with epilepsy

Genetic epilepsies. Remarks on the proposed “Organization of the Epilepsies”^*

Current knowledge about epilepsy and associated psychosocial conditions

Selected classical and novel antiepileptic drugs – mechanisms of action, neuroprotection, and effectiveness in epileptic and non-epileptic conditions

Successful treatment with adjunctive lacosamide in a patient with long term “drug resistant” focal epilepsy

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Journal of Epileptology

Volume 22 (2014): Issue 1 (June 2014)

Handedness, cognitive processing and intelligence in patients with epilepsy

Genetic epilepsies. Remarks on the proposed “Organization of the Epilepsies”*

Current knowledge about epilepsy and associated psychosocial conditions

Selected classical and novel antiepileptic drugs – mechanisms of action, neuroprotection, and effectiveness in epileptic and non-epileptic conditions

Successful treatment with adjunctive lacosamide in a patient with long term “drug resistant” focal epilepsy

Cerca

Tutti i volumi ed i numeri in questa rivista

Genetic epilepsies. Remarks on the proposed “Organization of the Epilepsies”^*