Abstracts

Rationale: The definition of epilepsy requires the occurrence of at least one epileptic seizure. Seizures are usually hardly described to the neurologist by relatives, and less likely by the patient. Published data confirms that up to 20% of patients diagnosed of epilepsy have never had seizures, but other type of events. New broad access video devices allow patients and relatives to record events. Methods: Consecutive adult patients (relatives) in epilepsy outpatient clinic during a 2 year period were encouraged to record events. Instructions for good-quality videos were recommended. Specific informed consent was given for viewing and storing the recordings.Results: : 314 consecutive patients. Male: 52%. Female: 48%. Average age: 46,3. 267 patients had video recording devices available (87%) (100% photo camera, 100% cell phone, 10% webcam, 30% video camera). 135 (50%) felt unable to record events. Reasons adduced: low seizure frequency: 60%, seizures short duration 80%, relative s lack of time spent with patient: 30%. 22 patients recorded a total of 44 events. All of them, self-limited seizures. Type of seizures (ILAE): focal seizures with typical automatisms: 19, 12 patients. Focal motor with hyperkinetic automatisms: 9 seizures, 2 patients. With asymmetrical tonic motor seizures: 4 seizures, 1 patient. Atypical absence seizure: 6 seizures, 3 patients. Non epileptic: 6 seizures, 4 patients. Only one patient was recorded with a secondarily generalized seizure. EEG-semiology epilepsy confirmation: 18. Epilepsy possible misdiagnosis: 4. 3 pseudoepileptic seizures, 1 postural tremor. Conclusions: Neurologist can find in new video capture devices a useful tool for epilepsy diagnosis. Making these recommendations is easy and takes little time in the outpatient clinic. It is important to train patients and relatives in performing good-quality videos to optimize this interesting tool.