Abstract
We describe a 4-month-old Japanese infant with West syndrome with gelastic seizures in clusters. Smile developed around 3 months and gradually increased in frequency and intensity. Positron emission tomography showed hypoperfusion in bilateral hypothalamus. Interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) showed hypsarrythmia. Simultaneous video/EEG monitoring was performed. At first, a smile-like episode developed every several seconds, gradually increased to an abrupt flexion of the neck and extremities, and gradually decreased to a smile-like episode at the end. Ictal EEG revealed desynchronization. ACTH was effective. Smiles are common emotional responses in infancy. However, EEG and neuroimaging should be considered in a case of perinatal asphyxia and delayed development.
Copyright © 2001 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG
