Localizing value of epileptic auras

Objective To study the value of localizing different types of auras. Methods The 31cases with epilepsy were divided into a group with auras (n =19) and a group without auras (n =12).Student t-test was used to analyze difference in onset age in the two groups. The chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in the rates of abnormal brain MRI in two groups and in the efficiency of epileptic surgery between the two groups. ResultsThe 19 patients in aura group had psychiatric symptoms,autonomic symptoms, somatosensory, visual, hearing, and dizziness auras. These auras and EEG and other examines presumebly localized the epilepsy lesions in temporal lobe, temporal lobe, contralateral parietal or temporal lobe, occipital or temporal lobe, contralateral temporal lobe, and temporal-parietal lobe. After the surgery, auras diminished in all these patients. There was no significant differences in onset age and in presence of abnormal brain MRI between the two groups. The percentage of efficient epileptic surgery in the group with aura (15/19) was significantly higher than that in the other group( 5/12, x2 =4. 456, P =0. 035). Conclusions Epileptic aura has significant value in localization of lesion. It can help determine the origins of the epilepsy focal and guide epilepsy surgery. Key words: Epilepsy;  Signs and symptoms;  Unconsciousness