Gelastic Seizures in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis

Background:Gelastic seizures are characterized by ictal inappropriate sudden laughter as the predominant seizure manifestation. they are very rare and may occur in patients with hypothalamic hamartomas, pituitary tumors, astrocytomas of the mamillary bodies, CNS infection, trauma, and dysraphic condition. Case:A 21year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis was admitted due to frequent sudden inappropriate laughter as a seizure manifestation. EEG showed paroxysmal brief generalized 4-5 Hz spike and wave complexes. Brain MRI revealed multiple tubers in the bilateral cerebral cortical areas, right caudate nucleus, and left anterior cingulate gyrus. We tried vigabatrin, but gelastic seizures were not controlled. Comment:We report a case of gelastic seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis, which has not previously been reported in Korea. (J Korean Epilep Soc 6:150-153, 2002)