READING EPILEPSY - 2 CASE-REPORTS

Two new cases of primary reading epilepsy are reported. Primary reading epilepsy is a well-defined, infrequent disorder in which reading triggers orofacial seizures, followed by generalized seizures if reading continues. Onset is usually during the second decade. Physical evaluation and imaging studies are normal. The electroencephalogram is usually normal between seizures but during reading shows bilateral paroxysmal discharges predominating in the left temporoparietal area. The mechanism of this form of reflex epilepsy remains debated but may involve ocular scanning, proprioceptive stimuli produced by oral and phonation muscles, or cortical events involved in the production of speech (at the phonologic or semantic level). Outcome is usually favorable. Primary reading epilepsy may be one of the idiopathic epilepsies related to a specific site.