Gelastic seizures with dancing arising from the anterior prefrontal cortex.
OBJECTIVE
This case report provides insight into the function of the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC), specifically Brodmann Area 10 (BA10), and its interconnectivity.


METHODS
We present a 10-year-old patient with lesional epilepsy and ictal onset, localised to BA10 in the aPFC.


RESULTS
Thirty-four seizures were recorded. All seizures involved a demonstration of elation with laughter that was associated with a variety of different patterns of complex motor behaviour that included performing specific celebratory movements and acting out a Michael Jackson dance move. Electrographically, the seizures were all stereotyped and arose from the right frontal region, followed by a distinct left temporal ictal rhythm that corresponded with the onset of the behaviours. The lesion in the right aPFC was identified as a mixed lesion with both dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour cells and type II cortical dysplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
The electrographic analysis and unique seizure semiology suggest a connection between the aPFC and the contralateral temporal lobe. This neural pathway appears to be involved in the activation of previously formed procedural memories, creating an intensely positive emotional experience.
Division of Pediatric Neurology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy.
John
J
Neilson
Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta.
Tom
T
Snyder
Dept. of Surgery, Department of Surgery, 2D Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Jeff
J
Pugh
Dept. of Surgery, Department of Surgery, 2D Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Matt
M
Wheatley
Division of Pediatric Neurology, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy.
Richard
R
Tang-Wai
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003615:Dancing / Q000523:psychology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018242:Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery
Brodmann area 10; anterior prefrontal cortex; gelastic seizures; neural networks; temporal lobe epilepsy