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01-01-2009 | Clinical Article

Risk factors for complications during intracranial electrode recording in presurgical evaluation of drug resistant partial epilepsy

Authors: Chong H. Wong, Julie Birkett, Karen Byth, Mark Dexter, Ernest Somerville, Deepak Gill, Ray Chaseling, Michael Fearnside, Andrew Bleasel

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Background

Intracranial electrode monitoring is still required in epilepsy surgery; however, it is associated with significant morbidity.

Objective

To identify risk factors associated with complications during invasive intracranial EEG monitoring.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study of all patients undergoing invasive monitoring at Westmead between 1988–2004. From detailed chart reviews, the following variables were recorded: duration of intracranial monitoring, the site of grid implantation, number of grids and electrodes, seizure frequency, postoperative complications and seizure outcome.

Results

Seventy-one patients (median age: 24 years) underwent subdural electrode implantation; 62% had extratemporal lobe epilepsy and 46% were non-lesional. Of the 58 monitored patients who had cortical resections, 45 had good seizure outcomes. Complications related to subdural electrode implantation included transient complications requiring no treatment (12.7%), transient complications requiring treatment (9.9%) and two deaths (2.8%). Specific complications included subdural haemorrhage, transient neurological deficit, infarction and osteomyelitis. The two deaths occurred within 48 h of implantation were related to raised intracranial pressure (one venous infarction, one unexplained). Complications were associated with maximal size of grid (p < 0.001), greater number of electrodes (p < 0.001), electrode density per cortical surface implanted (p < 0.001), right central surface implantation (p = 0.003) and left central surface implantation (p = 0.013). Multiple logistic regression identified larger size grids and right central surface implantation as independent predictors of complications.

Conclusion

There are significant complications during intracranial EEG evaluations but the majority of these are transient. We found a relationship between the size of the electrode arrays and the incidence of complications. The results of this study have been used to modify our implantation and monitoring protocols.

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Title: Risk factors for complications during intracranial electrode recording in presurgical evaluation of drug resistant partial epilepsy
Authors: Chong H. Wong
Julie Birkett
Karen Byth
Mark Dexter
Ernest Somerville
Deepak Gill
Ray Chaseling
Michael Fearnside
Andrew Bleasel
Publication date: 01-01-2009
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-008-0171-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Risk factors for complications during intracranial electrode recording in presurgical evaluation of drug resistant partial epilepsy

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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