ABSTRACT
The rationale to use electrical stimulation of the epileptic focus as an alternative treatment for certain cases of seizures originating in the mesial temporal lobe has derived from a number of observations. All patients underwent a period of subacute hippocampal electrical stimulation (SAHCS), which was delivered through a pair of contacts of the depth electrodes or subdural grid. A reduction in regional cerebral blood flow disclosed by single photon emission computed tomography studies and an increment in the optical density of benzodiazepine receptor levels revealed by autoradiographic studies at the stimulated site provided further evidence of the inhibitory effect induced by SAHCS. Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) is highly successful in controlling seizures in cases with unilateral temporal lobe foci. Forty-eight hours after the onset of SAHCS, a temporary increment in the number of seizures was observed probably related to discontinuation of Antiepileptic drugs.
