Case Presentation

J.B., a 11 year old right handed female with a significant history of epilepsy, presents to the pediatric neurology office for a routine follow up appointment. J. has a history of focal seizures since the age of 6, when she had a head injury during a motor vehicle accident. J.'s typical seizures occur about 3-4 times a week, and are focal complex seizures involving her right arm. During the seizures she typically is unresponsive, has clonic movements of her right arm, and her eyes dart about. Upon resolution of the seizure she is slightly confused, has some weakness of her right arm, and may have some slurring of her speech. She has had several generalized seizures, but none for several years.

J.'s mother reports that recently J.'s seizures seem to be changing. Although she is still experiencing her typical seizures, about twice a week she seems to be experiencing a new type of seizure. The new seizures are highly variable, and seem to be nothing like her old seizures. At the onset of the seizure, J. often falls to the ground, however she has never hurt herself. Usually the new seizures are left sided, although they have been bilateral, and include non-rhythmic jerking movements on her upper and lower extremities. J.'s head often moves from side to side, and she sometimes drools during these episodes. After the seizure J. is confused, has a lot of difficulty forming words, and is unable to use her right arm for several hours.

J.'s mother is very worried that these new seizures indicate that the area of brain damage has spread. She is convinced that the medication J. was on previously are no longer working, so she stopped them 3 weeks ago, since which time J. has been having her typical focal seizures once a day. She is requesting that J.'s "worthless medication" be changed, and that J. undergo all new imaging studies to see if the area of damage is spreading.

PMS/PSH- Head injury at the age of 6 years. Focal complex seizures

Medications/allergies- Depakote 500 mg po BID, discontinued 3 weeks ago. NKDA

Developmental History- Mom recalls nothing being different from her other children.

Pregnancy/Birth History- Pregnancy uneventful, born via vaginal delivery at 38 weeks, no complications, went home with mom.

Family History-Maternal side with ovarian cancer in grandmother, great aunt and aunt. Paternal aunt and cousin with lupus. Paternal grandfather died of a heart attack at age 55.

Social History- Lives at home with mom, a homemaker; dad, an engineer at a local auto plant; and 4 older siblings, sisters ages 15, 17 and brothers ages 13 and 19. There is no smoking in the home, and the family is very religious.

ROS- negative except as noted above

PE-On exam, her vital signs are stable and he is afebrile. Weight is 37 kilograms, 145 centimeters tall, head circumference is 54 centimeters. She appears to be a healthy, shy girl who looks her age. She is quiet, but cooperative during the exam.
HEENT- head is normocephalic and atraumatic, tympanic membranes are gray and pearly with good landmarks and movement. The mucus membranes are moist, oropharynx is nonerythematous and without exudate. There is no cervical lymphadenopathy.
Cardiac- Regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs, rubs or gallops
Lung- Lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally, breathing easily without accessory muscle use.
Abdominal- Soft and nontender, no masses are palpable.
Extremities- No clubbing, cyanosis or edema, warm and well perfused with capillary refill less than 2 seconds

Neuro

Cranial Nerves
  • CN II- fundi sharp without papilledema, visual fields full to confrontation
  • CN III, IV, VI- extraocular muscles intact without nystagmus, pupils equal and reactive to light
  • CN V- Facial sensation intact and equal bilaterally
  • CN VII-Facial strength intact
  • CN VIII- hearing intact
  • CN IX, X- Palate rises symmetrically
  • CN XI- Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius intact
  • CN XII- Tongue protrudes midline

    Motor- Normal tone and muscle bulk, strength 5/5 in arms and legs bilaterally
    Coordination- Finger nose finger, rapid alternating movements, fine finger movements and heel knee shin performed without difficulty.
    Sensation- Intact to vibration, proprioception, light touch and temperature in the upper and lower extremities bilaterally
    Reflexes- 2+ bilaterally in the biceps, brachioradialis, triceps, patella and ankle. Toes are down going bilaterally.

Blood Tests

Albumin and Protein
Alpha-Feto Protein
Ammonia
Anti-AcetylCholine Receptor Antibody Titers
Antiepileptic Drug Levels
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies
Anti-Streptococcal Titers
Arterial Blood Gas
Arterial Lactate, Pyruvate
Biotinidase Assay
Calcium
Carnitine
CBC with Differential
Cholesterol

Copper
CPK
Electrolytes
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
FISH for Prader Willi, Angelman Syndromes
FTA
Glucose
HIV Testing (Western Blot)
Karyotype
Lead
Liver Function Tests
Lysosomal Enzymes
Magnesium
PCR for Dystrophin Gene

PCR for Fragile X Mutation
PCR for SMN and NAIP Genes
PCRs - Other Specific Tests
Plasma Amino Acids
Serum Immunoglobulin Levels
Thyroid Function Tests
VDRL
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids
Vitamin E Level


Urine Studies

24 Hour Urinary Copper
24 Hour Urine Heavy Metals
Reducing Substances Urinalysis
Urine Amino Acids

Urine Catecholamines
Urine Mucopolysaccharides
Urine Organic Acids

Urine Protoporphyrins
Urine Sulfites
Urine Toxicology Screen


CSF Studies

AFB Staining and Culture
Amino Acids
Bacterial Culture
Cell Counts
Cryptococcal Antigen

Cytology
FTA
Glucose and Protein
Gram Stain
IgG Index

Lactate, Pyruvate
Myelin Basic Protein
Oligoclonal Bands
Opening Pressure


Tissue Studies

Bone Marrow Biopsy
Muscle Biopsy: Dystrophin Immunostaining

Muscle Biopsy: Mitochondrial Enzymes
Muscle Biopsy: Pathology

Skin Biopsy for Fibroblasts
Western Blot for Dystrophin


Imaging Studies

Abdominal CT
Brain MR Angiogram
Brain MRI
Brain MR Venogram

Carotid Doppler
Catheter Angiogram
Chest CT
Echocardiogram
Head CT without contrast

Head CT with and without Contrast
Head Ultrasound
Orbital CT
Spine MRI


Electrophysiology Studies

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses
EEG

EKG
EMG, Nerve Conduction Velocities
Sleep Studies

Somatosensory Evoked Responses
Visual Evoked Responses


Specialized Studies

Referral to Ophthalmology
Wood's Lamp

Throat Culture

 

Brain MRI

Resources
Developmental Milestones
Growth Charts- Boys
Growth Charts- Girls


Tests Complete
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