Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy presenting with restless leg syndrome-like symptoms

Neurol Sci. 2011 Apr;32(2):313-5. doi: 10.1007/s10072-010-0448-5. Epub 2010 Nov 19.

Abstract

We describe the case of a 22-year-old male affected by NFLE reporting paroxysmal RLS-like symptoms. The patient was referred to our Sleep Center due to nocturnal paresthesias and cramps involving the left leg and leading to sleep fragmentation. At age 4, the patient presented with secondary generalized seizures preceded by left leg discomfort, controlled on CBZ. After successive therapy discontinuation, leg symptoms built up in frequency and duration until a secondary generalized seizure re-occurred. On CBZ prompt resumption no further GM seizures occurred albeit persistence of night-time frequent cramps and paraesthesia. Sleep EEG demonstrated asymmetric interictal sharp theta on the right posterior frontal areas, whereas brain MRI results were consistent with a Taylor type right frontal cortical dysplasia. CBZ augmentation and add on therapy with LEV led to further frequency reduction of sensory symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Brain Diseases / complications
  • Brain Diseases / pathology
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy
  • Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe / pathology
  • Humans
  • Levetiracetam
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Malformations of Cortical Development / complications
  • Malformations of Cortical Development / pathology
  • Malformations of Cortical Development, Group I
  • Piracetam / analogs & derivatives
  • Piracetam / therapeutic use
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / etiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine
  • Levetiracetam
  • Piracetam

Supplementary concepts

  • Focal cortical dysplasia of Taylor