Reflex epilepsies; clinical and demographic characteristics in a tropical country.
BACKGROUND
This study is aimed at defining the clinical spectrum and demographic aspects of reflex epilepsy in a tropical country in Asia.


METHODS
We studied 526 consecutive patients with epilepsy. Details of seizure provoking factors were obtained from direct interviews and medical records.


RESULTS
Of the 526 patients, 47(8.9%) were found to be having reflex epilepsy. There were 25(53.2%) males and 22(46.8%) females. Family history of epilepsy and reflex epilepsy were found in 8(17%) and 3(6.4%) respectively. Provoking factors were, eating (34%), higher cerebral functions (17%), bathing (10.6%), photosensitivity (8.5%), startle induced (4.3%), and mixed (more than one of the above: 25.5%). Seizures were provoked by above factors, exclusively in 10 (21.3%), mostly (more than 50% occasions) in 10 (21.3%), and sometimes (less than 50% occasions) in 27 (57.4%) patients. The type of seizure was complex partial evolving to generalized in 23 (48.9%), complex partial in 10 (21.3%), and generalized in 14 (29.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
Our study highlights geographical differences in the spectrum of reflex epilepsy.
Seneviratne
Udaya
U
Ratnapura General Hospital, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. udaya.senerviratne@svhm.org.au
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology