Startle‐Induced Epileptic Seizures

Abstract

Patients (16) suffering from startle-induced epileptic seizures were studied to clarify further the possible therapeutic activity of benzeodiazepines in this rare reflex epilepsy. The interictal and ictal electroclinical data of 16 epileptic children or adolescents were detailed. A CT [computed tomography]-scan was performed in 10 patients; 6 of them showed an atrophy of the mesial surface of one or both hemispheres (mesial hypodensity). Benzodiazepine was associated with the previous antiepileptic treatment in the 16 ineffectively treated patients. Clonazepam was administered in 3 patients; one was completely unresponsive and 2 became seizure-free for a mean of 16.5 mo. but complained of drowsiness or ataxia. Clobazam was administered in 13 patients; 15.4% of them were completely unresponsive, 23.1% of experienced drug resistance and 61.5% obtained a good control (91.5% reduction of the reflex seizures) for a mean of 22.75 mo. In spite of a possible loss of therapeutic activity, the appearance of very few unfavorable side effects and the presence of favorable side effects (psychomotor arousal) make clobazam therapy important in the treatment of patients suffering from startle epilepsy.