User:Twinkle turnip/AES

Anoxic-epileptic seizures (AES) are epileptic seizures which are triggered by depriving oxygen from the brain, also known as syncope. These seizures differ from non-epileptic seizures which occur under the same circumstance. Anoxic-epileptic seizures are characterized by abnormal electroencephalogram, typically are longer lasting, and present a post-ictal period, typically lethargy and confusion, after the event. Treatment for AES is similar to treatment for epilepsy.

Background

Epileptic seizures have been documented in the laboratory through the inhalation of nitrogen in order to limit the body of oxygen (Meyer and Waltz, Gastaut). However, this was not documented outside of these experiments.

Epileptic seizures triggered by laughter-induced syncopes, or valsalva-mediated syncopes, was reported by Gastaut et al, and in these circumstances the seizures could be treated with sodium valproate, an anticonvulsant. However, while the seizures did not persist the valsalva-mediated syncopal atonia that triggered the seizures persisted even after treatment.

Until 2005, one of the best-documented cases of AES has been presented by Battaglia et al. In this report, three young girls, aged 2 1/2 and 11 years, experienced epileptic seizure triggered by various types of syncopes. All three subjects demonstrated abnormal EEG signatures.