Episodic nausea and abdominal sensations as sole manifestations of simple partial seizures

Abstract

In adults, seizures manifesting with abdominal complaints are usually associated with complex partial or secondary generalized seizures. Also, seizure periodicity is not expected in postmenopausal women. We encountered a 72-year-old woman with episodic nausea and abdominal pain that usually occurred with predictable regularity. When symptoms persisted after extensive gastrointestinal investigations and cholecystectomy, she was referred to us and the diagnosis of simple partial seizures was suspected. Both EEG and brain MRI were normal. The diagnosis was established by video/EEG monitoring, which recorded several typical clinical events associated with right temporal ictal discharges. Because treatment with several antiepileptic medications caused intolerable side effects, the patient is now maintained on a low dose of Lamotrigine, which reduced seizure frequency and severity. This patient demonstrates that ‘abdominal’ complaints, although rare, may be the sole manifestation of simple partial seizures. Unless considered in the differential diagnosis, the patient may undergo unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures.