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Can protrusion of the tongue stop seizures in Rolandic epilepsy?

P Veggiotti1, F Beccaria, A Gatti

  • 1Child Neuropsychiatry Division, Foundation Istituto Neurologico Casimiro Mondino IRCCS, University of Pavia, Italy. pveggiot@unipv.it

Epileptic Disorders : International Epilepsy Journal with Videotape
|August 11, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Tongue protrusion can stop seizures in children with benign partial epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECT). This study shows how a tactile stimulus may inhibit epileptic discharge by activating sensory-motor cortex pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epilepsy Research
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Benign partial epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECT) is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome.
  • Understanding seizure triggers and termination mechanisms is crucial for effective management.
  • The somatosensory and motor cortices are closely interconnected, with potential for sensory modulation of motor activity.

Observation:

  • A case study of a child diagnosed with BECT is presented.
  • Interictal epileptiform abnormalities on EEG were observed to cease upon voluntary tongue protrusion.
  • A seizure event was polygraphically recorded and documented to terminate spontaneously following tongue protrusion.

Findings:

  • Voluntary tongue protrusion, a tactile stimulus, demonstrated an inhibitory effect on epileptic discharges.
  • The findings suggest a direct link and potential interaction between the post-central (somatosensory) and pre-central (motor) cortical areas.
  • This interaction may involve the primary sensory cortex directly influencing the motor cortex to inhibit seizure activity.

Implications:

  • Tactile stimulation, specifically tongue protrusion, may serve as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for BECT.
  • Further research into sensory-motor cortex interactions could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for epilepsy.
  • This case highlights the complex interplay between sensory input and cortical excitability in epilepsy.

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