Epilepsy in the vibroacoustic disease: A case report

Introduction: Late-onset epilepsy was one of the first neurological problem s identified in patients diagnosed with vibroacoustic disease. Other clinic al situations, such as automatisms and rage-like reaction crises were also observed. Some cases of epileptic seizures were triggered by different type s of stimuli. Case Report: This study describes the clinical case of a 30-y r-old male metal-worker who had epileptic seizures when he used vibratory t ools common to his profession, such as drills and sanders. We performed a 2 1-channel EEG during a seizure induced in the laboratory by direct contact of a vibratory tool with his right hand. This allowed us to view the electr ical discharge of his left hemisphere. The entire procedure was simultaneou sly videotaped while a partial motor crisis was observed. Brain MRI of this subject revealed multiple hyperintense focal lesions in the sub-cortical w hite matter. Echocardiography revealed thickening of the pericardium and va lve structures. Commentary: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first do cumented case of reflex epilepsy due to vibratory stimuli. We briefly discu ss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of this clinical event.