Epilepsy presenting as AD: neuroimaging, electroclinical features, and response to treatment

Neurology. 2002 Jan 22;58(2):298-301. doi: 10.1212/wnl.58.2.298.

Abstract

Three patients with progressive memory impairment initially attributed to AD underwent serial neuropsychometry, MRI, and EEG. Registered serial MRI volumetric analysis showed no loss of whole or regional brain volume. EEG revealed temporal lobe spike activity and antiepileptic treatment was optimized. Memory functions improved with antiepileptic medication in all three patients. The demonstration of temporal lobe spike activity in patients with progressive memory impairment is an indication for a trial of antiepileptic medication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants