"Mirror EPC": epilepsia partialis continua shifting sides after rolandic resection in dysplasia.

BACKGROUND

Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is a life-threatening condition often caused by focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Resection of the motor cortex is contemplated in the hope that the trade-off between a severe motor deficit and complete seizure control justifies the procedure.

METHODS

Report of 3 patients with EPC due to histologically confirmed FCD, who underwent resection of the motor cortex under acute electrocorticography.

RESULTS

All had re-emergence of medically intractable EPC in the other side of the body after rolandic resection. Two patients died and the third continues with refractory attacks.

CONCLUSION

In some instances, EPC due to FCD may shift sides and re-emerge in the contralateral, previously asymptomatic, hemibody. A mechanism of disinhibition by surgery of a suppressed contralateral and homologous epileptogenic zone is speculated.