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Persistent periodic hiccups following brain abscess: a case report
P H Jansen1, E M Joosten, H M Vingerhoets
1Institute of Neurology, St Radboud Hospital, Catholic University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|January 1, 1990
Summary
A five-year case study details a patient experiencing persistent hiccups and epilepsy after a brain abscess. Hiccups showed a distinct rhythm and resisted treatment, unlike the convulsions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Brain abscesses, particularly in the temporal lobe, can lead to complex neurological sequelae.
- Epilepsy is a known complication of central nervous system infections and lesions.
- Persistent hiccups (singultos) can be a challenging symptom with diverse etiologies.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a five-year history of periodic, persistent hiccups and secondary generalized epilepsy.
- The neurological condition followed a right temporal brain abscess.
- Hiccup episodes exhibited a notable ten-day rhythmicity.
Findings:
- The patient's epileptic convulsions were managed with standard treatments.
- In contrast to the epilepsy, the recurring hiccups were refractory to all therapeutic interventions.
- This suggests a distinct pathophysiological mechanism for the hiccups compared to the seizures.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for unusual and treatment-resistant symptoms following brain abscesses.
- The rhythmic nature of the hiccups warrants further investigation into potential central nervous system regulation.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms behind intractable hiccups in this context may inform future treatment strategies.