From the Guidelines
The uncus of the temporal lobe is a critical structure in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, particularly in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), as it can be involved in the epileptogenic focus and its evaluation is essential for surgical planning. The uncus is a hook-shaped structure located at the anterior end of the parahippocampal gyrus in the medial temporal lobe, forming part of the limbic system and considered a component of the primary olfactory cortex 1. It contains the amygdala and is connected to the hippocampus, playing important roles in memory processing, emotional responses, and olfaction (sense of smell) 1.
In the context of epilepsy, the uncus can be evaluated using various imaging modalities, including [18F]FDG PET, which has become part of the systematic pre-surgical assessment of drug-resistant epilepsies 1. [18F]FDG PET has been shown to be useful for surgery selection in up to 47% of cases and is most beneficial in TLE (58-69%) compared to extra-temporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE) (23-44%) 1. Additionally, ictal SPECT imaging can be used to evaluate the uncus and other brain regions involved in seizure generation and early propagation, with a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 75% 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the uncus in the context of epilepsy include:
- The uncus can be involved in the epileptogenic focus, particularly in TLE 1
- [18F]FDG PET is a useful imaging modality for evaluating the uncus and other brain regions involved in epilepsy 1
- Ictal SPECT imaging can be used to evaluate the uncus and other brain regions involved in seizure generation and early propagation 1
- The evaluation of the uncus is essential for surgical planning in epilepsy, particularly in TLE 1
Overall, the uncus of the temporal lobe plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, and its evaluation is essential for surgical planning. The use of [18F]FDG PET and ictal SPECT imaging can provide valuable information for the evaluation of the uncus and other brain regions involved in epilepsy, and can help guide surgical planning.
From the Research
Uncus of Temporal Lobe
- The uncus is a part of the temporal lobe, which is involved in various neurological functions, including epilepsy.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically discusses the uncus of the temporal lobe.
- However, some studies mention the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy, which may be related to the uncus.
- For example, a study published in 2015 2 discusses the effect of levetiracetam on adult-onset temporal lobe epilepsy with positive voltage-gated potassium channel antibody.
- Another study published in 2011 3 reviews the use of levetiracetam in epilepsy, including its efficacy in treating partial onset seizures, which can be related to the temporal lobe.
- Other studies 4, 5, 6 discuss the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam and carbamazepine in treating partial seizures, but do not specifically mention the uncus of the temporal lobe.