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An unusual case of benign reflex myoclonic epilepsy of infancy

M A Kurian1, M D King

  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Dublin, Eire.

Neuropediatrics
|August 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of reflex myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, triggered by head tapping, was successfully treated with sodium valproate. This distinct epilepsy syndrome shows a good prognosis in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Reflex myoclonic epilepsy in infancy is a rare, age-dependent epileptic syndrome.
  • Idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes can present with varied clinical manifestations.
  • Understanding specific triggers is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy one-year-old boy experienced myoclonus exclusively upon tactile head stimulation.
  • No developmental regression was noted.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed generalized polyspike wave activity.

Findings:

  • Sodium valproate effectively ceased myoclonic episodes within one week.
  • The infant remained seizure-free at 18 months with normalized EEG.
  • This case highlights non-progressive reflex myoclonic epilepsy of infancy triggered by specific tactile stimuli.

Implications:

  • Reflex myoclonic epilepsy of infancy is a distinct subtype with a favorable prognosis.
  • Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can lead to excellent outcomes.
  • This case expands the understanding of reflex epilepsy triggers in infants.

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