Intra-familial incidence and characteristics of hot water epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical features of several members of the same family diagnosed with both hot water epilepsy (HWE) and cerebral lesions.

METHODS: Age at onset and types of seizure, precipitating factors, EEG findings, and neuroimages were evaluated.

RESULTS: The family consisted of six generations, including one consanguineous parent. Of eight family members diagnosed with epilepsy, seven suffered from HWE. Age at onset of seizures ranged within childhood. Seven patients with HWE experienced complex partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization; one experienced simple partial seizures as well as complex partial seizures. Three patients experienced spontaneous seizures as well as HWE. Interictal EEG revealed abnormalities in two patients. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral lesions in one patient, probably attributable to ischemic changes. Magnetic resonance images were consistent with findings of ischemic gliosis in two patients, and either demyelinating or ischemic gliosis in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Descriptions of HWE families with different ethnic backgrounds may permit more definite conclusions regarding the mechanisms epileptogenesis, and the genetic defects that underlie this disease.