1216 Markedly decreased ictal discharges with positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment in a patient with refractory epilepsy and severe obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Individuals with epilepsy are at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treatment of OSA with positive airway pressure (PAP) can result in decreased seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy, possibly due to decreased sleep disruption and normalization of oxygenation saturation levels when using PAP. The following case report demonstrates an example in which treatment of OSA with PAP resulted in a dramatic improvement of electroencephalographic seizures. Report of Case A 32 year-old man with refractory epilepsy presented to our office complaining of loud snoring, witnessed apneas, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Despite prior left frontal and left anterior temporal lobectomy, vagus nerve stimulator treatment, and excellent treatment adherence to four different antiepileptic medications, the patient continued to have 1-3 clinical seizures per day. Physical examination was notable for obesity (BMI=39.4 kg/m2), high arched palate and Mallampati class 4 airway. Long-term eletroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring was significant for frequent interictal discharges during wakefulness and sleep, as well as frequent subclinical seizures during sleep characterized by C3/P3 polyspike bursts followed by brief rhythmic fast activity. A diagnostic polysomnogram revealed severe OSA (AHI=69/hour). The patient subsequently underwent a PAP titration study with extended EEG montage, which was notable for a marked decrease in polyspike discharges on effective PAP pressures, from an average of 24 polyspike discharges per hour on PAP pressures < 15 cm of water to an average of 3 polyspike discharges per hour on PAP pressures ≥ 15 cm of water. PAP treatment was initiated following the titration study. Conclusion This case demonstrates that effective treatment of OSA can lead to a reduction of abnormal EEG discharges in a patient with intractable epilepsy. Additional clinical follow up is needed to assess whether PAP treatment also resulted in decreased frequency of clinical seizures.