A Rare Form of Reflex Epilepsy: Eating Epilepsy – A Case Report

• Published in: Case reports in neurology Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 31 - 35
• Main Authors: Direybatoğulları, Cem, Öztekin, Mehmet Fevzi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland S. Karger AG 04.03.2025; Karger Publishers
• Subjects: Single Case – Epilepsy; Reflex epilepsy; Case report; Eating epilepsy; Focal onset seizures; Epilepsy
• ISSN: 1662-680X; 1662-680X
• DOI: 10.1159/000545067

Introduction: Reflex epilepsies are rare syndromes where seizures are triggered by particular stimuli or activities that may be motor, sensory, or cognitive in nature. Eating-induced seizures are an uncommon presentation of reflex epilepsy. Many etiologies, including genetics, ethnicity, and specific foods and eating behaviors, are linked to eating epilepsy. Case Presentation: In this case report, a 55-year-old man who was admitted to the neurology clinic with epileptic seizures that occurred many times after spicy meals is presented. His neurological examination and metabolic values were normal. MRI showed nonspecific white matter changes. An interictal active epileptic focus was detected in the left temporal region in interictal EEG. The patient was started on valproic acid treatment at 1,000 mg/day. Anti-seizure treatment controlled the seizures and normalized the EEG abnormalities. Conclusion: In this case report, it is emphasized that eating epilepsy should be considered in patients with a history of seizures induced with eating, and the diagnosis and treatment process of eating epilepsy is also mentioned.