Hot Water Epilepsy

Abstract

Hot water epilepsy (HWE) is a type of reflex epilepsy in which seizures are precipitated by pouring water at a higher temperature during bathing onto the head or body. The etiology is still not known and is presumably both genetic and environmental. Focal seizures with impaired awareness are the most common seizure types and generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the second common type of seizures. The diagnosis is clinical. Interictal electroencephalography and neuroimaging are usually normal. Treatment consists of avoidance of the triggering factor. However, in cases where this option is not effective, antiepileptics can be used. Clobazam appears to be the most effective therapy, particularly for pure HWE. This is an up-to-date review of the literature.

Keywords

hot water - epilepsy - reflex

• References

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