Partial seizures and behavioral changes

Abstract

In veterinary medicine, seizures have been classified in many ways. One broad method is to classify seizures into two categories: (1) major motor, and (2) partial or behavioral. Examples of major motor seizures are familiar to all veterinarians: distemper fits, epibw, active and postbrain damage. These seizures are typified by quick, widespread, symmetrical, involuntary muscle movements. This presentation deals with the other category known as partial seizures, which are not as well known to the practitioner. A classification of partial seizures can be made: (a) partial motor seizures, (b) partial sensory seizures, and (c) automatisms. This work is relatively new in veterinary medicine, with scant literature reference available. There are many unanswered questions. However, this might explain some of the undiagnosed motor and behavioral problems seen in practice daily. Many of the patients with aberrant behaviors were studied electroencephalographically. Abnormal EEG patterns were found in a significant percentage of the cases, e.g. abnormal spindle activity, shape and duration of the basic wave form, burst suppression and trains of synchronous activity. Examples of the peculiar behavior noted are: looking at imaginary objects, spontaneous running fits and rage, partial motor movements, e.g. torticollis, teeth and jaw trismus, hallucinations, constant tasting and sniffing, and periodic intestinal dysfunction (bloat Schnauzer). Treatments consisting of anticonvulsants for motor phenomena, corticotrophin and progesterone for spontaneous rage and aggressive attitudes, and phenobarbital for intestinal involvement, have proved beneficial in many cases. The conclusion reached is that many behavioral problems in dogs and cats result from structural or biochemical changes in the brain and not just environmental influences. BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION FOR CAR SICKNESS J.L. ALBRIGHT Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. 47907 (U.S.A.)