Reflex-epilepsy induced by tap water bath: a case report and literature review

Reflex epilepsy is a condition in which seizures can be provoked habitually by exclusively external stimulus or, less commonly, internal mental processes. It may coexist with spontaneously occurring seizures. Reflex seizures are epileptic rather than psychogenic in nature, presenting often as either focal-onset or primary generalized seizures, with epileptiform EEG changes. Bathing epilepsy or as commonly named hot water epilepsy [HWE], is a form of reflex or sensory epilepsy in which seizures are precipitated by the contact of hot or tepid water over the head and body. We report a case of an 18-month-old Sudanese toddler boy, presented with recurrent abnormal funny turns, noticed by his parents, since he was 6-month old. These events occur while having a bath by pouring tap water over his head. The diagnosis of epilepsy was supported by interictal electroencephalography [EEG]. This rare type of epilepsy has a geographical distribution. Reflex epilepsies have different precipitation factors. The identification of these factors is important in the management and outcome. Hot water epilepsy had been reported in certain geographic areas and ethnicities. To our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported from African and Arab Nations.

Neuronal cortical migration disorder associated with epilepsy in Sudanese male twins: a case report and literature review

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder affecting young people. The aetiologies are multiple and most cases are sporadic. Disturbances of neuroblast migration and consequently abnormal development of the human cortex and genetic malformations are recognized as significant causes of mental retardation, symptomatic epilepsy and congenital neurologic deficits with abnormal neurological development in children. This review will discuss two male twins with cortical malformation and epileptic seizures failure to thrive, microcephaly and global developmental delay. The classical fades of Miller-Dieker syndrome are not present. The family history suggested a hereditary disorder of XL type

Serum iron, zinc and copper status of severely malnourished children in Wad Medani, Sudan

To determine status of iron [Fe], zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu] in severely malnourished children in Wad Medani, Central Sudan. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to assess the serum concentrations of iron, zinc and copper in ninety children- sixty severely malnourished children and thirty control. The children were selected randomly from patients admitted to the nutritional section at Wad Medani Children Teaching Hospital in Gezira State, Central Sudan. The age range of the studied children was 3-37 months. The malnourished children were diagnosed and classified into two groups: marasmus and kwashiorkor with 30 patients in each group. Their anthropometric measurements including weight and height were measured. Total serum protein, serum albumin, haemoglobin concentrations and haematocrit were determined using standard methods. Analysis of variance between the three groups showed highly significant differences in all measured biochemical parameters [p<0.001]. Positive and significant correlations were observed between serum albumin and zinc levels [r = 0.4, p=0.01], and between serum copper and haemoglobin levels [r = 0.3, p=0.01]. The nature of the association between these trace elements status and their implications for malnutrition pathophysiology are discussed. The association is established between trace elements [Fe, Zn, Cu] status and malnutrition in children suffering from marasmus and kwashiorkor in the Gezira state