[A case of frontal lobe epilepsy presenting with gelastic seizures]

We described a 9-year-old boy with frontal lobe epilepsy presenting with gelastic seizures. CT-scan showed mild widening of the left sylvian fissure. Abnormal findings in the left frontal operculum were detected by both MRI and SPECT. Attacks mainly consisted of gelastic seizures with comfortable feeling followed by screaming with fear. Administration of anticonvulsants resulted in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. Finally the patient had brief laughter attacks only. In the present case, the clinical course suggests that the gelastic seizures does not occur by way of the spreading of epileptic discharges to the temporal or hypothalamic region; rather it might occur as a focal symptom of the frontal region.