[A case of epilepsy simulating a pheochromocytoma]

Autonomic epilepsy is a rare entity that results from an epileptogenic focus involving certain structures belonging to the autonomous nervous system; it is characterised by the occurrence of convulsive seizures that consist in autonomic phenomena.

We report the case of a 28-year-old female patient who suffered paroxysmal episodes similar to those accompanying a pheochromocytoma. Following a thorough examination, both the presence of a tumour and the anomalous production of catecholamines were excluded and, although it was not possible to provide electroencephalographic evidence, the patient was diagnosed as suffering from autonomous epilepsy, which was later confirmed by the clinical efficacy of valproic acid therapy.

Autonomic seizures often show characteristics that are singular or similar to those of other clinical entities. This makes the disorder difficult to diagnose and sometimes requires therapeutic testing with anticonvulsive drugs.