Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Bromoderma in a patient with migrating partial seizures in infancy
Shin Nabatame1, Yoshiaki Saito, Hiroshi Sakuma
1Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital (NCH), National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan.
Insights
Potassium bromide (KBr) therapy for intractable childhood epilepsy can cause bromoderma, a skin condition. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this adverse effect, especially with prolonged KBr use.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Intractable childhood epilepsy often requires specialized treatment.
- Potassium bromide (KBr) is increasingly used for refractory epilepsy cases in children.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant developed skin lesions after starting potassium bromide therapy.
- Erythematous pustules evolved into vegetant plaques at sites of skin contact (EEG electrodes, nasogastric tube).
- The bromoderma worsened at the biopsy site even after KBr cessation.
Findings:
- Acquired bromoderma occurred 4 weeks into potassium bromide (KBr) treatment.
- The condition presented as pustules and plaques, aggravated by skin trauma.
- Delayed resolution of bromoderma was observed post-KBr discontinuation.
Implications:
- Bromoderma tuberosum is a significant adverse effect of potassium bromide therapy.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for skin manifestations in children treated with KBr.
- Increased recognition of bromoderma is crucial given the rising use of KBr in pediatric epilepsy management.
Abstract:
A 5-month-old boy with migrating partial seizures in infancy acquired bromoderma 4 weeks after initiating potassium bromide (KBr) therapy (60mg/kg/day). Erythematous pustules appeared on the forehead within a few days of attaching electroencephalography electrodes, and on the cheek at the site of nasogastric tube fixation. These later developed into vegetant plaques. Bromoderma aggravated at the site of skin biopsy that was performed 4 weeks after KBr termination. Bromoderma tuberosum should be recognized widely, considering the increasing use of KBr for treating intractable childhood epilepsy.
Related Concept Videos
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Seizures l: Introduction
Epilepsy ll: Types
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Seizures ll: Types
