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Focal epilepsy with ictal abdominal pain: a case report

Caterina Cerminara, Nadia El Malhany1, Denis Roberto

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Paediatric Neurology Unit, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133 Rome, Italy. elm.nadia@gmail.com.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|December 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Focal epilepsy with ictal abdominal pain is a rare condition causing seizures manifesting solely as abdominal pain. Early diagnosis, considering electroencephalographic abnormalities, is crucial for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

  • Focal epilepsy with ictal abdominal pain is an uncommon partial epilepsy syndrome.
  • It presents with paroxysmal abdominal or visceral pain, altered awareness, and EEG abnormalities.

Observation:

  • A case is presented where gastrointestinal complaints were the sole seizure manifestation.
  • A review of previously reported pediatric cases is included.

Findings:

  • Clinical findings, ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, and positive response to antiepileptic drugs confirmed the diagnosis.
  • This rare epileptic phenomenon should be suspected in patients with unexplained paroxysmal abdominal pain and migraine-like symptoms.

Implications:

  • After excluding other causes, focal epilepsy with ictal abdominal pain should be considered in patients presenting with paroxysmal abdominal pain and ictal EEG findings.
  • This highlights the importance of considering epilepsy in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain.

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