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Transient cortical blindness with occipital lobe epilepsy
1Department of Neurology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.
Journal of Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Occipital seizures in children can cause temporary vision loss and may be mistaken for migraines. Prompt diagnosis and anticonvulsant treatment are key for managing these seizures, which often resolve spontaneously.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Occipital seizures are a type of epilepsy originating in the occipital lobe.
- Intermittent visual loss can be a symptom of neurological conditions in children.
- Differentiating seizures from other conditions like basilar migraine is clinically important.
Observation:
- Presents three pediatric cases with occipital seizures and intermittent visual loss.
- Observed occipital epileptiform discharges in all patients.
- Visual loss correlated with seizure activity and improved with anticonvulsant therapy.
Findings:
- Occipital seizures in children, without structural lesions, often respond well to antiepileptic drugs.
- These seizures may also resolve spontaneously over time.
- Headaches and vomiting are common accompanying symptoms, complicating differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering occipital seizures in children presenting with acute visual loss.
- Emphasizes the potential effectiveness of anticonvulsant medication for managing these seizures.
- Suggests that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent misdiagnosis, particularly with conditions like basilar migraine.