FOCAL EPILEPTIC SEIZURES IPSILATERAL TO THE TUMOR

Human cases (6) of cerebral tumors are reported: 3 astrocytomas (2 temporal and 1 frontal), 2 meningiomas (1 parietal and 1 frontal), and a metastasis with a temporal location causing sensory-motor epileptic seizures ipsilateral to the lesion. The discussion includes comments on the pathogenesis of these manifestations viewed in the light of experimental and electrophysiological data, and on the hypothesis of the mirror focus, irritation of the supplementary motor and secondary somato-sensory areas, compression of the opposite hemisphere and possible absence of decussation of the sensory-motor pathways. The false localization suggested by this type of paroxysmal seizures and their rare clinical occurrence is emphasized.