Characteristics of the post-ictal phase of epileptic seizures and relationships with clinical-EEG variables and the presence of cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities in adults with epilepsy

• Grant number: 23/03548-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Gloria Maria de Almeida Souza Tedrus
• Grantee: Cecília Fusco Agostinho
• Host Institution: Escola de Ciências da Vida (ECV). Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-CAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures, associated with different clinical conditions, prognoses, etiologies and syndromes with impaired quality of life and psychosocial repercussions.Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of the post-ictal phase of epileptic seizures in adults with epilepsy and relate them to the epileptic syndrome, the presence of psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities and EEG data.Methodology: 70 patients with epilepsy, over 18 years of age, treated at the clinical neurology outpatient clinic at Hospital PUC-Campinas will be included. Patients will undergo specific anamnesis to characterize the seizure phases (ictal and post-ictal) and the epileptic syndrome, clinical and neurological examination, EEG. The instruments will be applied: Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The characteristics of the current EEG and data from imaging tests (CT and/or brain resonance) and their relationships with the characteristics of the post-ictal period will be evaluated. The characteristics of epileptic seizures will be related to clinical and EEG data and to HADS and MMSE scores. Patients participating in the study will sign the free and informed consent form. Statistical tests appropriate to the situations will be used, with a significance level of p<0.05.Expected results: Characterize the post-ictal period. To relate the postictal manifestations with the clinical variables of epilepsy and with the presence of cognitive and psychiatric alterations and EEG data. Contribute with scientific data in the area.