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Self-induced seizures presumably by peri-orbital somatosensory self-stimulation: a report of two cases

Rumiko Takayama1, Yukitoshi Takahashi, Yukiko Mogami

  • 1National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Aoiku, Shizuoka, Japan. takayama@szec.hosp.go.jp

Brain & Development
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Self-induced seizures, though rare, can be triggered by somatosensory stimulation, particularly around the eyes. This study highlights two infants with West syndrome who developed these seizures through self-stimulation, confirmed by video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Self-induced seizures are uncommon neurological events.
  • West syndrome, a severe infant epilepsy, is characterized by developmental delay and specific seizure types.
  • Acute subdural hemorrhage in infancy can lead to severe neurological deficits and epilepsy.

Observation:

  • Two infants with West syndrome and severe psychomotor retardation exhibited serial seizures.
  • These seizures were preceded by specific self-stimulating behaviors: eye-rubbing and eyebrow-touching.
  • Video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring was employed to diagnose the seizures.

Findings:

  • The study identified self-induced seizures triggered by peri-orbital somatosensory stimulation in two epileptic infants.
  • The peculiar self-stimulating behaviors were directly linked to the onset of seizures.
  • Video-EEG confirmed the link between self-stimulation and seizure activity.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider self-induced seizures in patients with epilepsy, especially those with developmental delays and peculiar preceding behaviors.
  • Peri-orbital somatosensory stimulation is a potential trigger for self-induced seizures.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis using tools like video-EEG are crucial for managing these rare seizure types.

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