A Case of Gelastic Epilepsy Associated with Tuberosclerosis: Where is the Lesion Corresponding to Electroencephalography?

Abstract

Summary Gelastic seizures are typically associated with hypothalamic hamartoma. Given the rarity of gelastic seizures, pathways for the motor and emotional aspects of laughter have been hypothesized but remain unclear. Only few case reports of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex who developed gelastic epilepsy have been reported. In this case study, we report a case of TS that presented itself mainly with dermatologic manifestations and without any neurological findings other than gelastic seizures. Ictal EEG revealed an active epileptic activity on the right fronto-temporal region. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with gelastic epilepsy that originated from temporal and extra-temporal lobes. Seizures were controlled using carbamazepine and levetiracetam polytherapy. In our case, there is no evidence of cortical and subcortical tubers, subependymal glial nodules, giant cell astrocytomas or aneurysm.

Keywords

• ictal turning
• gelastic seizure
• tuberosclerosis