Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) involves the medial or the internal structures of the temporal lobe. It is the most common form of partial human epilepsy in adults. Seizures often begin in the hippocampus part of the brain or the surrounding area. These seizures account for almost 80% of all temporal lobe seizures. This epilepsy arises in the hippocampus, the parahippocampal gyrus and the amygdala which are located in the inner (medial) aspect of the temporal lobe of the brain. It usually causes partial (focal) seizures that are localized in the brain. But in some cases, the seizures may become generalized. It might involve the whole brain causing sudden loss of awareness or consciousness.
What are the symptoms of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy?
An unusual sensation (aura) may occur before the seizure. Not everyone has an aura, and not everyone who has it remembers them. It is the first part of a focal seizure before consciousness is impaired.
Treatment Options
Treatment and prognosis of brain lesions depend upon the type of lesion, its location, and the cause.
Common approaches
- Surgery to remove the lesions that are caused by a brain tumor
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancerous lesions
- Medication for infections, such as antibiotics or other antimicrobial drugs
- Medication to change the immune system’s response
- Mesial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTS)
- Family history
- Hippocampal sclerosis
- Foreign tissue lesions such as hamartomas or glial tumors
- Vascular and congenital malformations
- Gliotic lesions due to trauma or infections
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain infection
- Brain tumor
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Uncontrolled seizures
The diagnosis of a mesial temporal sclerosis requires thorough physical and neurological examination of the patient and also requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for a confirmed diagnosis of the disease.
