Motor seizure semiology

Handb Clin Neurol. 2023:196:295-304. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-98817-9.00014-4.

Abstract

Motor semiology is a major component of epilepsy evaluation, which provides essential information on seizure classification and helps in seizure localization. The typical motor seizures include tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, myoclonic, atonic, epileptic spasms, automatisms, and hyperkinetic seizures. Compared to the "positive" motor signs, negative motor phenomena, for example, atonic seizures and Todd's paralysis are also crucial in seizure analysis. Several motor signs, for example, version, unilateral dystonia, figure 4 sign, M2e sign, and asymmetric clonic ending, are commonly observed and have significant clinical value in seizure localization. The purpose of this chapter is to review the localization value and pathophysiology associated with the well-defined motor seizure semiology using updated knowledge from intracranial electroencephalographic recordings, particularly stereoelectroencephalography.

Keywords: Electroencephalography; Focal epilepsy; Generalized epilepsy; Lateralizing signs; Localizing signs; Motor seizures; Seizure semiology; Stereoelectroencephalography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dystonia*
  • Dystonic Disorders*
  • Electrocorticography
  • Humans
  • Knowledge
  • Seizures / diagnosis