Can we accurately lateralize the epileptogenic zone in patients who have seizure clusters? A study using stereo-electroencephalography

Abstract Objective To determine if the ictal onset recorded with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) during clusters of seizures is reliable to identify the laterality of the epileptogenic zone. Background In the presurgical evaluation of patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy, the presence of bilateral ictal onset is usually associated with a poor surgical outcome. It has been reported that the laterality of seizures can be influenced during seizure clusters, although this remains controversial. Most studies have addressed this issue using scalp EEG which could erroneously determine the laterality of the ictal onset. Methods We examined all consecutive patients who underwent SEEG with bilateral hemispheric coverage at our institution between January 2013 and September 2018. We assessed the presence of seizure clusters (clinical or subclinical), their laterality by SEEG and the surgical outcome of the patients. A descriptive clinical and electrographic analysis was performed. Results Of 143 patients who underwent SEEG recordings, we identified only six patients who had bilateral ictal onset that went on to resective surgery. In all six patients the discordant seizures occurred during a seizure cluster. Three of these patients were seizure free at last follow up. Conclusion Discordant seizures obtained during a seizure cluster may not necessarily mean that the patient has bilateral epilepsy, and therefore a poor post-surgical outcome. Seizure clusters may not reliably lateralize the epileptogenic zone.