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Aviat Space Environ Med. 1999 Mar;70(3 Pt 2):A122-7.
Epilepsy in the vibroacoustic disease: a case report.
Martinho Pimenta AJ1, Castelo Branco NA.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Late-onset epilepsy was one of the first neurological problems identified in patients diagnosed with vibroacoustic disease. Other clinical situations, such as automatisms and rage-like reaction crises were also observed. Some cases of epileptic seizures were triggered by different types of stimuli.

CASE REPORT:
This study describes the clinical case of a 30-yr-old male metal-worker who had epileptic seizures when he used vibratory tools common to his profession, such as drills and sanders. We performed a 21-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 electrical discharge of his left hemisphere. The entire procedure was simultaneously videotaped while a partial motor crisis was observed. Brain MRI of this subject revealed multiple hyperintense focal lesions in the sub-cortical white matter. Echocardiography revealed thickening of the pericardium and valve structures.

COMMENTARY:
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of reflex epilepsy due to vibratory stimuli. We briefly discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of this clinical event.
PMID:
10189168