Article

PURPOSE: To analyze the semiological characteristics of the language and speech
disorders arising during epileptic seizures, and to describe the patterns of
language and speech disorders that can predict laterality of the epileptic focus.
METHOD: This study retrospectively analyzed 95 consecutive videos of seizures
with language and/or speech disorders in 44 patients admitted for diagnostic
video-EEG monitoring. Laterality of the epileptic focus was defined according to
electro-clinical correlation studies and structural and functional neuroimaging
findings. Language and speech disorders were analyzed by a neurologist and a
speech therapist blinded to these data. RESULTS: Language and/or speech disorders
were subdivided into eight dynamic patterns: pure anterior aphasia; anterior
aphasia and vocal; anterior aphasia and "arthria"; pure posterior aphasia;
posterior aphasia and vocal; pure vocal; vocal and arthria; and pure arthria. The
epileptic focus was in the left hemisphere in more than 4/5 of seizures
presenting with pure anterior aphasia or pure posterior aphasia patterns, while
discharges originated in the right hemisphere in almost 2/3 of seizures
presenting with a pure vocal pattern. No laterality value was found for the other
patterns. CONCLUSION: Classification of the language and speech disorders arising
during epileptic seizures into dynamic patterns may be useful for the optimal
analysis of anatomo-electro-clinical correlations. In addition, our research has
led to the development of standardized tests for analyses of language and speech
disorders arising during seizures that can be conducted during video-EEG
sessions.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS