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Clinical, Demographic, and Electroencephalographic Profile of Hot-Water Epilepsy in Children

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Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

The study attempts to characterize the clinical, demographic, risk factors, electroencephalographical, and neuroimaging features of hot-water epilepsy (HWE) in children.

Methods

This is a hospital-based observational study in the pediatric neurology clinic and who met the clinical definition of hot-water epilepsy were studied from January 2017 to October 2018. Clinical history, demographic data, and examination findings were recorded in a pre-structured proforma. Electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging were carried out.

Results

A total of 68 children with male to female ratio of 2.4:1 were studied. The most common age of onset of seizures was between 1 and 5 y. Focal seizures with impaired awareness were the most common semiology (48.5%). Abnormal EEG was detected in 13.2% and abnormal neuroimaging in 4.4% which consisted of incidental abnormalities. Nonreflex seizures occurred in 35.3% of the children with HWE and the risk factors associated with this were not statistically significant. Clobazam before taking bath helped to achieve seizure control in 85.7% of the children.

Conclusion

Hot-water epilepsy should be suspected in children who develop seizures following a hot-water bath. The most common age of onset is 1–5 y. EEG and neuroimaging are normal in the majority of cases. Nonreflex seizures occurred in 35.3% of the children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, India

    Narmadham K. Bharathi, Sanjay K. Shivappa & Asha Benakappa

  2. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, 560029, India

    Vykuntaraju K. Gowda & Suman Shivalingaiah

Authors
  1. Narmadham K. Bharathi
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  2. Sanjay K. Shivappa
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  3. Vykuntaraju K. Gowda
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  4. Suman Shivalingaiah
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  5. Asha Benakappa
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Contributions

NKB was involved in the management of the child and the preparation of manuscript; SKS has given valuable inputs in the management of this child; VKG supervision, guidance, and reviewed the manuscript; SS was involved in the management of the child and the preparation of manuscript; AB was involved in the diagnosis and management of the child. VKG will act as guarantor for this paper.

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Correspondence to Vykuntaraju K. Gowda.

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Bharathi, N.K., Shivappa, S.K., Gowda, V.K. et al. Clinical, Demographic, and Electroencephalographic Profile of Hot-Water Epilepsy in Children. Indian J Pediatr 88, 885–891 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-020-03570-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-020-03570-y

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