A hot water epilepsy treated well with clobazam

Ozge Berfu Gürbüz, Gürkan Gürbüz

Keywords: Hot water epilepsy; Childhood; Clobazam

Introduction:

Reflex epilepsy is a type of epilepsy involving seizures that occur with any sensory stimulus. It occurs when the cortical and subcortical brain areas over-react to a physiological stimulus. Photosensitive reflex seizures are the most common form. Music, reading, and eating are rarely seen triggers. Hot water epilepsy (HWE) is another type of reflex epilepsy that occurs as a result of immersing or pouring hot water over the head. It was first described by Allen in 1945. While common in Asia, there are also reports from many other parts of the world. Clinical and laboratory findings and short term neurodevelopmental outcome of a patient were discussed in this report.

Case:

A 10 months old boy applied to the out-patient clinic due to complaint of getting unconcious when bathing. This event reccured five times always in one month. No syncope or faint described when crying or outside the bath. Electroencephalography and brain MRI were normal. Patient diagnosed with hot water epilepsy and treated with oral clobazam before bath. Patient is seizure free and his neurodevelomental milestones are compatible with his age.

Discussion:

HWE is mostly benign. Clobazam before bathing is an effective option.

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