Abdominal epilepsy in a Nigerian child

Abstract

Abdominal epilepsy is an exceptionally rare cause of abdominal pain that is more likely to occur in children than in adults. We report on a child with episodic paroxysmal abdominal pain, accompanied by flatulence, neck pain, tiredness and bilateral weakness of the lower limbs. The findings on physical examination were normal except for Mongolian spots. Haematological investigations, radiographs and an ultrasound scan were normal. The electro-encephalogram showed temporal lobe dysrhythmia during a typical attack. The patient responded well to carbamazepine and remained asymptomatic during the 6 months prior to our writing this article, while taking her treatment regularly.