A rare self-induced reflex epilepsy: sunflower syndrome

Excerpt

Self-induced seizures by seeking photic triggers occur in 10% of patients with photosensitive epilepsy [1]. This condition, called Sunflower Syndrome, is a rare self-induced photosensitive epilepsy. Typically, patients with Sunflower Syndrome susceptible to photosensitive seizures self-induce, often by hand waving or exposure to environmental light stimuli [2]. Eyelid myoclonus and absence seizures are the most common seizure types [3, 4]. Rarely generalized tonic clonic seizures may occur. A review of 13 cases found most occurred in girls with an average age of onset of 5.5 years. Sunflower Syndrome is extremely refractory to treatment, though valproate, levetiracetam, ethosuximide, benzodiazepines, and lamotrigine provide more effective treatment for seizures [5]. …