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Abdominal epilepsy
Noah T Zinkin1, Mark A Peppercorn
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical school, 330 Brookline Ave., Rabb 4, Cambridge, MA 02215, USA. nzinkin@caregroup.harvard.edu
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|April 19, 2005
Summary
Abdominal epilepsy is a rare condition where seizures cause gastrointestinal issues like pain and vomiting. Diagnosis involves EEG and response to anticonvulsant medication, confirming seizure activity as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Abdominal epilepsy is an uncommon syndrome linking gastrointestinal (GI) complaints to seizure activity.
- Characterized by unexplained GI issues, central nervous system disturbances, abnormal EEG, and improvement with anticonvulsants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of abdominal epilepsy.
- To analyze reported cases from English literature over the past 34 years.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 36 reported cases.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Most common GI symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
- Most common neurological symptoms: lethargy, confusion.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) is crucial for diagnosis after excluding other causes.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal epilepsy requires a high index of suspicion, especially with unexplained GI symptoms and neurological signs.
- EEG and response to anticonvulsant therapy are key diagnostic and therapeutic indicators.
- Neurological consultation is recommended for complex cases.