READING EPILEPSY - 2 CASE-REPORTS

Two new cases of primary reading epilepsy are reported. Primary readin g epilepsy is a well-defined, infrequent disorder in which reading tri ggers orofacial seizures, followed by generalized seizures if reading continues. Onset is usually during the second decade. Physical evaluat ion and imaging studies are normal. The electroencephalogram is usuall y normal between seizures but during reading shows bilateral paroxysma l discharges predominating in the left temporoparietal area. The mecha nism of this form of reflex epilepsy remains debated but may involve o cular scanning, proprioceptive stimuli produced by oral and phonation muscles, or cortical events involved in the production of speech (at t he phonologic or semantic level). Outcome is usually favorable. Primar y reading epilepsy may be one of the idiopathic epilepsies related to a specific site.