Compulsive somatosensory self-stimulation inducing epileptic seizures

Epilepsia. 1992 May-Jun;33(3):509-16. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1992.tb01701.x.

Abstract

Three children who had been diagnosed as having infantile spasms with major psychomotor retardation were referred for the persistence of series of spasm-like seizures, which were resistant to antiepileptic drug treatment, beyond infancy. Serial seizures were elicited by a compulsive self-stimulating behavior that was documented by long-term video-polygraphy. These behaviors implicated proprioceptive inputs: tapping on the chin in one case, flexion and external rotation of the leg with dislocation of the femur in one case, a particular posturing of the body followed by rhythmic shaking of the head in the last case. This clinical picture seems to constitute a particular type of outcome for infantile spasms and is particularly resistant to therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Compulsive Behavior / complications*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electromyography
  • Epilepsy / etiology*
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Proprioception / physiology
  • Self Stimulation*
  • Spasms, Infantile / physiopathology
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology
  • Videotape Recording