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Eating epilepsy: a study of twenty cases
D K Mandal1, S Bandyopadhyay, J Tarafdar
1Department of Neurology, Medical College Hospitals, Calcutta.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Eating epilepsy, a rare condition, was studied in 20 cases. Heavy meals, particularly Indian cuisine, triggered seizures in most patients, often occurring at lunchtime.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Eating epilepsy is a rare reflex epilepsy.
- Triggers for eating epilepsy are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of eating epilepsy.
- To identify common triggers and seizure types.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 20 eating epilepsy cases over 5 years (1985-1989).
- Data collected on patient demographics, diet, seizure occurrence, electro-encephalogram (EEG), and computerised tomography (CT) scans.
Main Results:
- Males were more affected (4:1 ratio).
- Heavy meals, especially Indian diet, were the primary trigger in 14 cases.
- Seizures predominantly occurred at lunchtime (15 cases).
- Generalized seizures were observed in 13 cases.
- EEG showed focal changes in 10 cases and generalized changes in 6 cases.
- CT scans were normal in all 7 cases where performed.
Conclusions:
- Heavy meals, particularly those rich in carbohydrates like the Indian diet, are significant triggers for eating epilepsy.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and develop targeted treatments.