Clinical, Demographic, and Electroencephalographic Profile of Hot-Water Epilepsy in Children

Objectives: The study attempts to characterize the clinical, demographic, risk factors, electroencephalographical, and neuroimaging features of hot-water epilepsy (HWE) in children.

Methods: This is a hospital-based observational study in the pediatric neurology clinic and who met the clinical definition of hot-water epilepsy were studied from January 2017 to October 2018. Clinical history, demographic data, and examination findings were recorded in a pre-structured proforma. Electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging were carried out.

Results: A total of 68 children with male to female ratio of 2.4:1 were studied. The most common age of onset of seizures was between 1 and 5 y. Focal seizures with impaired awareness were the most common semiology (48.5%). Abnormal EEG was detected in 13.2% and abnormal neuroimaging in 4.4% which consisted of incidental abnormalities. Nonreflex seizures occurred in 35.3% of the children with HWE and the risk factors associated with this were not statistically significant. Clobazam before taking bath helped to achieve seizure control in 85.7% of the children.

Conclusion: Hot-water epilepsy should be suspected in children who develop seizures following a hot-water bath. The most common age of onset is 1-5 y. EEG and neuroimaging are normal in the majority of cases. Nonreflex seizures occurred in 35.3% of the children.