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Published in: Current Treatment Options in Neurology 11/2018

01-11-2018 | Epilepsy (E Waterhouse, Section Editor)

Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Epilepsy

Authors: Joseph T. Daley, MD, PhD, Jennifer L. DeWolfe, DO

Published in: Current Treatment Options in Neurology | Issue 11/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of review

There is a known interrelationship between sleep and epilepsy. This review highlights the recent findings regarding interactions between sleep and circadian rhythms and the manifestations of epilepsy and surgical treatments for refractory epilepsy.

Recent findings

CLOCK gene expression may be reduced within the epileptogenic focus in patients with refractory epilepsy. Interictal epileptiform discharges during NREM and especially REM sleep may lateralize to the epileptogenic hemisphere. Intracranial video EEG monitoring and EEG from implanted responsive neurostimulator devices confirm scalp video EEG findings of a nocturnal peak for interictal epileptiform discharges. Successful epilepsy surgery may improve sleep macrostructure and quality.

Summary

Sleep outcomes in people with epilepsy undergoing epilepsy surgery and neurostimulator implantation may provide innovative understandings into the associations between sleep and epilepsy. These associations may then provide novel therapeutic options targeting sleep and circadian pathways to improve seizure control and improve the quality of life for patients with this debilitating disorder.
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Metadata
Title
Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Epilepsy
Authors
Joseph T. Daley, MD, PhD
Jennifer L. DeWolfe, DO
Publication date
01-11-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Treatment Options in Neurology / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 1092-8480
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3138
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-018-0534-1

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