Methods to interrupt focal sensorimotor seizures: Self-reports of patients with central lobe epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: To collect and evaluate self-suppression methods used by patients with seizures arising from the primary sensorimotor cortex, so-called central lobe epilepsy (CLE), to estimate their efficacy in suppressing focal sensory-motor seizures. Methods: We interviewed 11 patients with well-established CLE from a presurgical cohort. We determined self-suppression methods of the participants by using a VAS-score questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and video- recordings of the methods. The descriptions were sorted by theme, with focus on sensory stimulation methods. Results: 9 of the 11 patients could influence their attacks with empirical methods and 6 of the participants did so by applying some form of sensory stimulation early during the seizure. Conclusion: Patients’ accounts testify that peripheral stimulation methods can modulate sensorimotor seizures. These non-invasive stimulation methods are a way for patients to manage their disease when other therapeutic measures such as surgery or medication fail. This may open new therapeutic avenues such as the development of a peripheral sensory stimulation device.