Hot-water epilepsy: Case report in an infant

Abstract

Hot-water epilepsy is a rare type of seizure whose pathophysiology is unknown. These reflex seizures usually begin a few seconds after contact with water, commonly at temperatures between 37-48 ºC. Automations and complex partial crises, with or without secondary generalization, are the main manifestation mode of this type of reflex epilepsies. N e u r o l o g i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n a n d i n t e r c r i t i c a l electroencephalography are usually normal, which may condition a delay in diagnosis, and the clinical suspicion is fundamental. Antiepileptictreatmentisinitiatedwhenassociatedwithanother type of epilepsy or when certain simple measures, such as loweringthewatertemperatureinthebath,donotcontrolcrises. Spontaneous disappearance is possible; when pharmacological therapy is necessary, there is usually a good response. We present the case of an infant diagnosed with hot-water epilepsy.