Supernumerary phantom limb as a rare symptom of epileptic seizures--case report and literature review

Epilepsia. 2011 Aug;52(8):e97-e100. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03156.x. Epub 2011 Jul 8.

Abstract

Supernumerary phantom limbs, that is, the awareness of an illusory extra limb is a fascinating neurologic symptom that has been described in a number of neurologic diseases including stroke, spinal injury, and epilepsy. Herein we report a case of a 70-year-old male patient with new-onset focal seizures with left-sided supernumerary phantom arm and leg as the only seizure manifestation. Ictal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed a hyperperfusion in the right temporoparietal junction and allowed localization of the seizure-onset zone. This report is accompanied by a discussion of phenomenology and terminology in the context of existing literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Epilepsy / complications
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phantom Limb / etiology*