Reflex seizures in Down syndrome

A unique patient with Down syndrome who developed reflex seizures is described. The patient has had recurrent intermittent seizures for the past 3.5 years. These seizures were usually precipitated by auditory stimuli such as sudden loud noises. While having seizures the patient experienced severe discomfort in the posterior neck area. The seizures usually lasted 10-20 s, and there was no aura, nor was there a postictal phase. Of the numerous investigations performed, closed-circuit electroencephalogram video telemetry was most helpful in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. Carbamazepine administration resulted in total seizure control and reflex stimuli no longer provoke seizure activity. Although it has been suggested that reflex seizures may be due to genetic factors or structural central nervous system defects, we were unable to uncover the cause of the reflex seizures in our patient.