A Case of Musicogenic Epilepsy

Musicogenic epilepsy is a relatively rare form of epilepsy characterized by seizures triggered by specific music experiences, with an estimated prevalence of 1/10,000,000 population. We report a case of 12-year-old boy with a history of recent onset focal seizures associated with an aura of formed visual hallucinations, feeling of familiarity (déjà vu), and impending fear lasting for seconds to a minute followed by eye blinking, oral automatisms, and unresponsiveness for almost 15 minutes. These episodes, most often, were provoked by music. Video electroencephalogram (EEG) done in our institute was suggestive of reflex musicogenic epilepsy arising from the left anterior temporal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain 3T with epilepsy protocol confirmed video EEG findings, with an abnormal signal intensity in the left hippocampal and mesial temporal lobe. Treatment included lifestyle modification and antiepileptic drugs.

Musicogenic Epilepsy: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Review of Literature

Musicogenic epilepsy is a special type of reflex epilepsy characterized by recurring seizures in response to hearing-specific musical triggers. Clinical features include focal dyscognitive seizures with typical temporal lobe semiology, normal structural brain imaging, functional imaging abnormalities in wide regions of the brain responsible for emotional and musical processing, variable locations of seizure onset within the temporal lobe, and in refractory cases good response to surgery. Musicogenic epilepsy is poorly understood from a pathophysiological standpoint and thus reflects the complexity of brain networks responsible for auditory, emotional, and cognitive functions.