Reading Epilepsy: A Review of Its Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, and is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. Reading epilepsy is a rare type of epilepsy that is associated with reading. This review article aims to provide an overview of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of reading epilepsy.
Clinical Presentation
Reading epilepsy is a type of reflex epilepsy characterized by recurrent seizures that are triggered by reading. The seizures are typically short (less than one minute), and may involve partial or generalized seizures. Common symptoms of reading epilepsy include confusion, disorientation, visual disturbances, and postictal fatigue. Some patients may also experience aphasia, and in some cases, focal motor activity may occur.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of reading epilepsy is based on the clinical history and results from a neurological examination. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be used to look for abnormal electrical activity in the brain associated with the seizures. Additionally, a detailed medical history and physical examination should be performed to rule out other causes of the seizures.
Treatment
Treatment of reading epilepsy depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, antiepileptic drugs may be used to control the seizures. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding triggers (e.g., reading) may also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Reading epilepsy is a rare type of reflex epilepsy that is triggered by reading. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history and results from a neurological examination, and treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Further research is needed to better understand the etiology of this disorder and develop more effective treatments.
References
Briellmann, R. S., & Andermann, F. (2005). Reading epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, 7(3), 462-468.
El-Hattab, A. W., & Scaglia, F. (2015). Reading epilepsy. Pediatric Neurology, 52(3), 282-286.
Pinto, S., & Roger, J. (2015). Reading epilepsy: a review of the literature. Epilepsy & Behavior, 45, 162-166.
Spielmann, L. A., & Shorvon, S. D. (1995). Reflex epilepsy associated with reading: a review. Brain, 118(4), 903-914.