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A Neurobehavioral Approach for the Treatment of Unilateral Complex Partial Seizure Disorders:
Comparing Right and Left Hemisphere Patients for Response to Treatment
and Emotional Triggers
Rationale: This study looks at the efficacy of a comprehensive multi-
disciplinary neurobehavioral approach for treating patients with complex
partial seizure disorders. Patients in this study received short-term
treatment based on a model of self-control developed by the Andrews/Reiter
Epilepsy Research Program. The results from two previous studies indicated
greater than 70% success in controlling seizures after treatment.
Methods:
This proposed research selected all patients who met the lateraliztion
criterion among cases receiving short-term treatment between 1992-1996. Forty four patients were identified. A group of 21 right hemisphere subjects and a scond group of 23 left hemisphere subjects were identified for study. These patients were all treated in a short-term (four consecutive days) treatment protocol and then released, with weekly hone contact for six months following treatment. They were then followed for an additional 18 months through the continued submission of their seizure logs and journals. Subjects in both groups have kept seizure records throughout the study starting with a two-month baseline period. Other data collected also allows us to study the interaction of emotional with seizure occurrence. This project may produce valuable and relevant information regarding neurobehavioral management interventions as an effective adjunctive or alternative treatment for obtaining seizure control in epilepsy patients.
Results: 1. Seizure control:
Number Controlled %
R hemisphere subjects:
21 17 80.9
L hemisphere subjects:
23 18 78.2
Total:
44 35 79.5
2. Emotional Triggers:
R hemisphere subjects: Predominantly fear based emotional triggers
L hemisphere subjects: Predominantly anger based emotional triggers
Conclusions:
1. Efficacy: approx 79.5% control.
2. Differences in response for R & L hemispheral patients will be discussed.
3. Differences in emotional triggers and the need to structure treatment
differently according to hemipheral focus will be discussed.
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