A case report on gelastic seizures.
- Author:
Micah Joyce L. Villalobos
;
Lucy Kathrina F. Banta-Banzali
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
The Philippine Children’s Medical Center Journal
2021;17(2):74-80
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Gelastic seizure is a rare seizure type, with laughter as the main ictal manifestation. In the
presence of a hypothalamic hamartoma, laughing seizures are referred to as gelastic epilepsy
which is seen in less than 5% of epilepsies [1]. These seizures begin during infancy with a
progressive course and may present with precocious puberty and cognitive decline. In the
absence of a hypothalamic hamartoma, gelastic seizures have a later onset and are more seldom
encountered. These are seen in less than 1% of all epilepsies and occur as part of a frontal or
temporal lobe epilepsy [1]. For gelastic seizures not associated with this lesion, prognosis is good
since they are more responsive with AEDs and may be controlled by a single AED.
This is a case report of a 7-year-old male who presented with recurrent attacks of spontaneous,
mirthless, and inappropriate laughter associated with hyperkinetic movements. Workup did not
show a hypothalamic hamartoma. Interictal EEG showed bilateral frontal lobe discharges in
prolonged runs. He was given carbamazepine which provided adequate seizure control. This is
the second case reported in this institution from 1992 until present.
- Full text:A case report on gelastic seizures.pdf
