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[Hot water epilepsy: a benign and underestimated form]
C Ioos1, N Villeneuve, M Fohlen
1Service de neuropédiatrie, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, Garches, France.
Summary
Hot water epilepsy, a reflex epilepsy triggered by warm water, is a benign condition primarily seen in infants. Early diagnosis via EEG is crucial, as it can be mistaken for other seizure types.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Hot water epilepsy is a rare reflex epilepsy triggered by cutaneous and heat stimuli.
- It is predominantly reported in India and Japan, with infrequent occurrences in European young children.
Observation:
- Five infants (6 months–2 years) experienced seizures during bathing, characterized by activity arrest, hypotonia, and vasoactive changes.
- EEG confirmed the diagnosis during bathing, with video evidence in two cases.
- Observed symptoms included occasional clonic movements.
Findings:
- Hot water epilepsy is a benign neurological condition.
- The condition exhibits a favorable prognosis for seizure course and psychomotor development.
Implications:
- The incidence of hot water epilepsy may be underestimated.
- Distinguishing it from febrile convulsions or vagal fits is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.