Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Inducing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of Repetitive Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: February 10, 2020
Pilomotor seizures: a video case report
Mohamad Ayman Haykal1, Bassel Abou-Khalil
1Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville 37232-2551, USA.
Abstract:
Piloerection is a rare ictal manifestation usually associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. We present video and electrographic documentation of pilomotor seizures in a 75-year-old man with left temporal lobe epilepsy and remote herpes zoster encephalitis. In general, piloerection is most often localised to the temporal lobe. Unilateral piloerection is usually associated with an ipsilateral ictal onset. Bilateral piloerection has a less certain lateralising value, although earlier reports suggest left hemispheric predominance [Published with videosequences].
Insights
Piloerection, a rare seizure symptom, is often linked to temporal lobe epilepsy. This case documents pilomotor seizures in a patient with left temporal lobe epilepsy, offering insights into seizure localization.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Piloerection is an uncommon ictal manifestation frequently associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.
- Understanding the semiology of rare seizure types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and localization.
Observation:
- This study presents video and electrographic evidence of pilomotor seizures in a 75-year-old male patient.
- The patient had a history of left temporal lobe epilepsy and remote herpes zoster encephalitis.
Findings:
- Piloerection is typically localized to the temporal lobe.
- Unilateral piloerection often correlates with ipsilateral seizure onset.
- Bilateral piloerection's lateralizing value is less certain, but left hemispheric predominance is suggested.
Implications:
- This case contributes to the understanding of pilomotor seizures and their association with temporal lobe epilepsy.
- Detailed documentation aids in recognizing and localizing seizures based on piloerection.
- Further research may clarify the lateralizing significance of bilateral piloerection in 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:
Seizures ll: Types
Seizures l: Introduction
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...
Epilepsy ll: Types

