Topographical distribution of propagation of seizure activity in the basal ganglia during focal motor seizures in the monkey.

Topographical distribution of the propagation of seizure activity in the basal ganglia was studied during focal motor seizures from the focus in the face-hand area of Area 4 in the monkey, using the [14C]deoxyglucose autoradiography method. The focal seizures were induced by injecting potassium penicillin G into the face-hand area in the right motor cortex. The propagation of seizure activity in the basal ganglia was localized in the ventral and caudal parts of the ipsilateral putamen and globus pallidus lateral and medial segments, and in part of the reticular portion of substantia nigra. These areas in the basal ganglia seem to be functionally linked to the face-hand area of the motor cortex.