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A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
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Self abortion of attacks in patients with Hot Water Epilepsy

M R Savitha1, B Krishnamurthy, D A Ashok

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Mysore, India. savvvy62002@yahoo.co.in

Indian Pediatrics
|May 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE) in children often begins in the first decade and is frequently triggered by hot water head baths. Some cases also involve spontaneous seizures and a unique ability to self-abort attacks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE) is a reflex epilepsy with unique characteristics.
  • Understanding its clinical profile in children is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical aspects and management strategies for Hot Water Epilepsy in pediatric patients.
  • To identify peculiar features of HWE within a specific geographical context.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, hospital-based study analyzed 71 pediatric cases of Hot Water Epilepsy.
  • Data collected included seizure onset, triggers, seizure types, family history, and treatment response.

Main Results:

  • Most HWE cases (67.6%) began in the first decade of life, with seizures often occurring during hot water head baths (71.8%).
  • Complex partial seizures (60.6%) and generalized atonic seizures (21.1%) were prevalent. Notably, 47.9% exhibited spontaneous non-reflex epilepsy.
  • Self-induction and self-abortion of seizures were observed in 16.9% and 12.7% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • High incidence of spontaneous and generalized atonic seizures may be characteristic of HWE in this region.
  • The ability to self-abort seizures appears to be a significant factor in controlling HWE attacks.
  • Continuous prophylactic antiepileptic drug treatment generally yielded good responses.

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