Diagnostic significance of déjà vu phenomenon in clinical presentation of the brain tumors

Abstract

The incidence of brain tumors (BT) in Russia is 7.5 per 100000. Dj vu (French) (DV) phenomenon may present as the one ofthe BT symptom. DV (French already seen) is a mental disorderassociated with the perception of reality, when an unknown,completely new situation seems to be familiar and already withnessedby the patient. Aim: to determine the characteristics andprevalence of DV in patients with BT. Materials and methods:The study group consisted of 197 subjects (mean age 27.113.2years; 47% men). First subgroup included 139 healthy subjects,2nd subgroup consisted of 58 patients with BT, that were selectedfrom 1772 patients with BT and seizures. All subjects completedspecial questionnaire to identify various characteristics ofthe DV (frequency, duration, emotional background),Cambridge depersonalization questionnaire; video-EEG studywas performed. We used specific statistical methods and programsfor analysis (confidence intervals calculation, Mann-Whitney test, etc.) The results were considered significant withp0.05)). Results: DV was manifested in 97% of healthy subjects.DV occured in 3.3% patients with BT and epileptic seizures. Thephenomenon was seen more frequently in astrocytomas (50%,p=0.002) of right (72%, p=0.0001) temporal lobe and was associatedwith generalized seizures (54%) and olfactory hallucinations(24%). Patients with BT had significant differences in thecharacteristics of DV compared to the healthy subjects: the frequencyof DV up to several times per day (Z=5.58; p=0.000001);duration some minutes (Z=-2.78; p=0.004); DV is associatedwith negative emotions (Z=-2.35; p=0.02) and fear (Z=3.81;p=0.00002). Conclusions: The key to diagnosis is not only thefact of DV experience, but also the changes its characteristics(increased frequency and duration, etc.).

Keywords

• brain tumors
• deja vu
• symptomatic epilepsy
• psychopathology