A case of symptomatic reflex epilepsy precipitated by bathing

By definition, reflex seizures are epileptic events triggered by specific motor, sensory, or cognitive stimulation. Reflex epilepsy is a term reserved for the scenarios in which seizures are exclusively triggered by a specific stimulus like reading or eating [1]. Focal seizures precipitated by somatosensory stimuli often originate in the parietal lobe (somatosensory area II) and present with sensory manifestations usually an illlocalized vague sensation or pain which may proceed to clonic motor movements or other manifestations depending upon the propagation of ictal activity [1,2]. Similarly, myoclonic or focal motor/sensory seizures can be triggered by somatomotor stimuli like sudden unexpected movement in a related form of reflex epilepsy [1]. Hot water epilepsy prevalent in southern India can present with generalized or focal seizures in response to a hotwater bath [2]. The following report is the narrative of a young female with an uncommon form of reflex seizure precipitated by bathing which was demonstrated to have an excellent correlation electrographically and on neuroimaging.