Abstract
Bilateral intracarotidal Amytal (amobarbital) tests for evaluation of speech and memory function were performed during preoperative evaluation of 30 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In 8 of these patients (16 tests), having partial complex epilepsy, EEG was recorded with depth electrodes, implanted bilaterally in anterior mesial temporal structures. The EEGs during 13 tests could be quantified with regard to spike activity. A rapid increase in spike frequency was observed ipsilateral to the injection in all tests but one. No seizure activity or clinical seizures were provoked. This previously unnoticed effect of amobarbital could be due to a direct excitatory effect of the drug on epileptic temporal neurones or, alternatively, to a release of interictal inhibition, exerted upon these neurons by other structures. In 4 patients, the effect was compared with that of methohexital, another barbiturate known to have excitatory effects upon epileptic activity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
