Self abortion of attacks in patients with Hot Water Epilepsy

Abstract

A cross sectional hospital based study was undertaken to find out the various clinical aspects and management of Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE) in children. Of the 71 cases analysed, 67.6% had onset of seizures in the first decade of life. Seizures occurred frequently towards the end of head bath (71.8%). In 14.1% cases, seizures were precipitated with cold-water head bath also. Complex partial seizures (60.6%) and generalized atonic seizures (21.1%) were common. Spontoneous non-reflex epilepsy was seen in 47.9% cases. Self-induction and self-abortion of seizures were seen in 16.9% and 12.7% patients respectively. Family history was available in 32.4% of cases. Majority had good response to continuous prophylactic treatment with antiepileptic drugs. We conclude that high incidence of spontaneous seizures and generalized atonic seizures seem to be peculiar to our geographical area. "Self abortion of attacks" may be of immense help in controlling the attacks.