Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Eyelid Myoclonia with Absences - Evidence of Provocation Unrelated to Photosensitivity

H. Wakamoto; H. Nagao; K. Manabe; H. Kobayashi; M. Hayashi

doi:10.1055/s-2007-973481

Neuropediatrics, Table of Contents

Neuropediatrics 1999; 30(3): 149-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973481

Short communications

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Eyelid Myoclonia with Absences - Evidence of Provocation Unrelated to Photosensitivity

H. Wakamoto¹ , H. Nagao² , K. Manabe¹ , H. Kobayashi¹ , M. Hayashi¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Uwajima City Hospital,
²Department of Pathology for the Handicapped, Faculty of Education, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan

Abstract

PDF Download

Abstract

A 10-year old girl with eyelid myoclonia with absences (EMA) in whom nonconvulsive status epilepticus developed shortly after awakening is described. A video-polygraphic recording during the status showed the characteristic eye-closure provocation of eyelid myoclonia with upward deviation of the eyeballs and brief absences. Ictal EEC showed generalized polyspikes concomitant with eyelid myoclonia, while absences were accompanied by 3.5 Hz polyspike-wave complexes on EEC. This condition occurred even in total darkness as well as even after seizures precipitated by bright sunlight had been eliminated by medication. The present case suggests that the eye closure mechanism could be a more potent precipitating factor than photosensitivity in the pathophysiology of EMA.

Key words

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus - Eyelid myoclonia - Eye closure - Photosensitivity

PDF (312 kb)