Somatosensory reflex epilepsy: simultaneous video-EEG monitoring and surface EMG

Abstract

Somatosensory reflex epilepsy is induced by repetitive cutaneous contact of a circumscribed body area with a tight time-lock between somatosensory stimulation and seizure. We describe the case of a 27-year-old man with seizures induced by repetitive tapping on the sole of the right foot. Simultaneous video-EEG monitoring and surface electromyography was performed during a seizure triggered by repetitive tapping on the right sole aspect using a hammer. Stimulation produced a tingling sensation on the right sole that extended to the right lower leg. This was followed by motor Jacksonian march of the right leg. [Published with video sequence on www.epilepticdisorders.com].