Sexual orgasm as a trigger for reflex epilepsy
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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
Published on: September 20, 2024
Ana Azevedo1, Rita Rodrigues1, Bárbara Teixeira1
1Centro Hospitalar de Entre o Douro e Vouga, Portugal.
Abstract:
Reflex epilepsy is a syndrome in which seizures can be elicited by a specific afferent sensory stimulus or an activity undertaken by the patient. Among all reported stimuli, orgasm has rarely been mentioned. We describe a woman presenting with seizures following orgasm. On interictal EEG, no epileptiform activity was found, even during hyperventilation. Brain MRI showed a small cyst next to the right choroid fissure, modulating the superior surface of the right hippocampus. We reviewed all published case reports of reflex epilepsy induced by orgasm in order to compare clinical, electroencephalographic and neuroimaging findings.
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