Ictal visual hallucinations of numerals.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epileptology
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Benign primary occipital epilepsy is a rare epilepsy syndrome.
• Visual hallucinations are uncommon ictal manifestations.

Observation:

• Three children with benign primary occipital epilepsy presented with ictal numerical visual hallucinations.
• These hallucinations occurred during seizures originating from the occipital lobe.

Findings:

• Ictal numerical visual hallucinations can occur with left, right, or bilateral interictal spikes.
• Seizure onset can be in either occipital lobe.
• The event appears primarily occipital, potentially spreading to limbic areas later.

Implications:

• This finding expands the spectrum of ictal phenomena in occipital epilepsy.
• It suggests a specific visual aura related to occipital lobe activity.
• Further research may clarify the precise neurophysiological mechanisms involved.