Abdominal epilepsy: an unusual cause of recurrent abdominal pain

Abdominal epilepsy is an uncommon cause for abdominal pain in children and adults. Although its abdominal symptoms may be similar to those of the irritable bowel syndrome, it may be distinguished from the latter condition by the presence of altered consciousness during some of the attacks, a tendency toward tiredness after an attack, and by an abnormal EEG. Abdominal epilepsy is usually treated with anticonvulsant medication. This unusual cause for abdominal pain should be considered in patients with the appropriate abdominal symptoms who do not respond to the usual symptomatic therapy.