Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in neurosyphilis

Abstract

We report two patients of neurosyphilis with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the EEG. Patient 1, a 32-yr-old man manifested with rapidly progressive cognitive decline and abnormal behavior and recurrent generalized tonic-clonic seizures. EEG revealed periodic epileptiform discharges arising from the anterior temporal and frontal region, predominantly from the right. Diffusion weighted MRI of brain did not show any focal restricted diffusion. Patient 2, a 33-yr-old woman presented with 2-year history of behavioral abnormalities, generalized tonic-clonic seizures and unconcerned urinary incontinence. EEG revealed PLEDS arising from the left anterior temporal region. Her CT scan showed gross cerebral atrophy. Both the patients improved partially with treatment and PLEDs resolved completely. PLEDs may be recorded in EEG of patients with neurosyphilis without imageological evidence of focal cerebral lesion. © 2007 International League Against Epilepsy.