Video-EEG Analysis Following Microradiosurgical Transections of Rat Sensorimotor Cortex Seizure Focus

Introduction: Multiple subpial transections are an alternative to resection of the epileptic focus for select patients. Microradiosurgery is a developing technique, which uses submillimetric beams of radiation to treat disease. This preliminary study was designed to evaluate electroencephalography and behavioral findings following microradiosurgical transcortical transection (MTT) of a rat seizure focus. Materials and Methods: Kainic acid was used to induce a seizure focus within the left sensorimotor cortex of two rats. Before and up to 10 hours following synchrotron-generated MTT, video-EEG was recorded. Results: Convulsive seizures were eliminated less than five hours after the MTT. Although more subtle electrographic ictal events remained detectable by EEG recording, the propagation of seizures was effectively disrupted. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the feasibility of recording VEEG before and after precise microbeam irradiation from a synchrotron source. VEEG allowed evaluation of electrographic ictal events, in addition to clinical seizures. The results show some promise that MTT can limit the spread of seizures without causing clinically evident neurological damage.