Definitions
This epilepsy is defined by seizures caused predominantly by a specific systemic or environmental trigger
What is reflex epilepsy?
EEG test using flashing lights
Intermittent Photic Stimulation
Second most common reflex epilepsy
What is hot water epilepsy?
This reflex epilepsy can be triggered not only by an external auditory stimulus, but also by internally generated recall of that stimulus
What is musicogenic epilepsy?
In most reflex epilepsies, this is the first-line management strategy before medications are considered
What is avoidance or modification of the trigger?
According to ILAE, reflex seizures are consistently elicited by this
What is a specific stimulus?
Most provocative flicker frequency
10–30 Hz — though sensitivity can extend up to 60 Hz.
classic trigger for hot water epilepsy?
What is hot water over the head (>37°C)?
This feature supports the classification of musicogenic epilepsy as a limbic epilepsy
successful treatment with anteromesial temporal lobe resection
medication taken as a prophylactic in hot water epilepsy?
What is clobazam?
The three categories of reflex triggers
What are elementary, complex, and cognitive?
Name one gene associated with photosensitivity syndromes
SCN1A / GABARG2 / CHD2 / SYNGAP1
common symptoms of HWE?
What are fear, hallucinations, or automatisms?
The chapter explains that music processing involves these two domains, either of which may independently trigger seizures
What are thematic and mechanical aspects of music processing?
A normal routine EEG does not rule out reflex epilepsy because of this key limitation
What is failure to reproduce the trigger during EEG?
Reflex epilepsy triggered by sexual climax, more common in females and associated with right hemisphere activity
What is orgasmic epilepsy?
This refers to epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli such as flickering light or patterns.
What is photosensitive epilepsy?
HWE Interictal EEG finding
usually normal (± temporal abnormalities)?
This reflex epilepsy is typically triggered by highly engaged cognitive activity but not by passive reading or routine conversation
Before EEG testing, identifying these patient-specific factors allows for tailored activation methods such as reading, gaming, or object manipulation
What are seizure triggers or provoking factors?
This EEG finding represents an epileptiform response to intermittent photic stimulation and is seen in most visually sensitive patients
What is a photoparoxysmal response (PPR)?
% of visually sensitive patients who show PPR
What is ~90%?
Do HWE only happen while awake?
seizure triggered by dreaming of bathing!
This rare reflex epilepsy case supports a role for emotional processing networks, specifically implicating the amygdala and right temporal lobe
What is Pinocchio syndrome?
According to the chapter, understanding reflex epilepsy requires integrating these two core tools with modern imaging to map seizure origin and cognitive networks
What are video-EEG and neuropsychology?