ELECTROCLINICAL ASPECTS OF OCCIPITAL EPILEPSY SEEN IN THE NEUROSCIENCES AND MENTAL HEALTH LABORATORY ANTSAKAVIRO

Abstract

Introduction: Occipital epilepsy occurs when the initial site of epileptic discharge involves part or all of the occipital lobe. Occipital epilepsy is the least common of the other types of epilepsy and is rarely described in the literature. However, the manifestation located initially in the occipital cortex, which is a functional zone of vision, leads to its protean aspect. It can be a source of diagnostic wandering. The purpose of this study is to describe the electroencephalographic clinical characteristics of patients seen for occipital epilepsy at the Laboratory of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Antsakaviro, Madagascar. 

Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study that took place over a one-year period (January 2016 to December 2016). Included in this study were all patients diagnosed with clinically and EEG-confirmed occipital epilepsy. A correlation between clinical manifestations and electroclinical data is sought.

Results: We retained 66 patients with male predominance (sex ratio: 1.4). The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 55 years with a mean age of 13.77 years. Patients reside in urban areas and the majority are of non-school age. The clinical manifestations of occipital epilepsy are mainly paroxysmal visual hallucinations lasting on average 3 minutes and of variable frequency. EEG signs are predominantly paroxysmal activities with a predominant or occipital starting point. 

Conclusion: The clinical and electroencephalographic manifestations of occipital epilepsy deserve special attention in order to make a proper diagnosis.