PMID: 8615209Jan 1, 1996Paper

Supplementary sensorimotor area epilepsy in adults

Advances in Neurology
D W King, J R Smith

Abstract

Based on stimulation studies, observation of seizure phenomena in patients with epilepsy, and diagnostic studies documenting SSMA anatomic and functional abnormalities, there is evidence that epileptic involvement of the SSMA results in a set of clinical phenomena that include asymmetric tonic posturing of the extremities, abduction and elevation of the contralateral upper extremity, and speech arrest with preserved consciousness. Auras and vocalization occur less frequently. These seizures tend to be brief and to have an abrupt onset and cessation. They are more common during sleep than during wakefulness, and they tend to occur multiple times per night. The abolition of seizures following a resection limited to the SSMA provides conclusive evidence that the SSMA is the epileptogenic zone in some patients with this type of seizure. On the other hand, there is variation in seizure phenomena among patients whose seizures originate in the SSMA. In addition, there are patients with seizures suggestive of SSMA involvement whose seizures originate in a broad epileptogenic zone that includes the SSMA, other patients whose seizures originate outside the SSMA and spread to the SSMA, and still other patients whose seizures originate out...Continue Reading

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