Facial asymmetry in partial epilepsies

Epilepsia. 1992 Nov-Dec;33(6):1097-100. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1992.tb01765.x.

Abstract

Fifty-six consecutive epileptic patients with partial seizures (30 temporal, 26 extratemporal) and facial asymmetry were studied. Facial asymmetry was compared with EEG, radiologic, and other clinical findings. Thirty patients had a lesional epilepsy whereas 26 were considered cryptogenic. In lesional epilepsies, 60% of patients had EEG foci ipsilateral to the smaller hemiface and only 20% had EEG foci contralaterally. In the cryptogenic group, the EEG focus was ipsilateral in 50% and contralateral to the facial smallness in 46%. No differences were noted between temporal and extratemporal epilepsies. Early acquired cerebral lesions may modify development of the hemisphere involved, leading to a small ipsilateral hemiface and seizures originating from the same side.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsies, Partial / complications*
  • Epilepsies, Partial / diagnosis
  • Epilepsies, Partial / physiopathology
  • Facial Asymmetry / complications*
  • Facial Asymmetry / physiopathology
  • Facial Expression
  • Female
  • Humans