Paroxysmal non-epileptic events resembling seizures in children with otitis media

Abstract

Children may frequently present with recurrent spells, which are often thought to be seizures. However, there are several benign non-epileptic conditions that mimic seizures. A group of 8 children is described who were diagnosed with otitis media and presented with recurrent, stereotypic spells suggestive of seizures. A paroxysmal phenomenon, in association with otitis media, resembling seizures, has not been previously described. These paroxysmal phenomena resembling seizures may be related to acute otitis media and should be included in the differential diagnosis of paroxysmal non-epileptic events in infants and young children.