A study on circadian rhythm of interictal epileptiform discharges in patients with localization related epilepsy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of circadian rhythm on interictal epileptiform discharges in patients with localization-related epilepsy. Methods Patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Sanbo Brain Hospital from January 2011 to January 2012 participated in this study.All patients were subjected to comprehensive evaluation, which included prolonged video-electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging. Intracranial electrodes, PET, SPECT were also adopted if necessary. Circadian rhythm was divided into four stages: REM, NREM I-II, NREM III-IV, and waking.The amount and distribution of IID were compared by ANOVA. Results Significant differences in the amount and distribution of IID were found among NREM I-II, NREM III-IV, REM, and waking. However, no differences in the amount and distribution of IID were noted between NREM I-II and NREM III-IV as well as between REM and waking. Conclusion The amount of IID is higher in NREM than in REM and waking; thus, NREM is more sensitive to diagnose epilepsy.The distribution of IID in REM and waking is more restricted than that in NREM. Key words: 【Key word】 Interictal epileptiform discharges; Epilepsy; Sleep; Circadian rhythm