Ictal face perception disturbance, tattoos, and reclaiming the self

Abstract

We present a case of a young man with frightening ictal disturbance of face perception, or prosopometamorphopsia, arising from the left temporo-occipital region, leading to significant psychosocial impairment. A vivid forearm tattoo of the ictal experience conveyed its nature to the treating team and facilitated a psychotherapeutic process leading to significant psychosocial recovery. This case highlights the marked psychosocial and developmental impacts of epilepsy and the benefit of incorporating these into assessment and treatment.

Keywords

• Tattoos
• Epilepsy
• Prosopometamorphopsia
• Neuropsychiatry
• Social anxiety
• Cognitive behavioural therapy