Painful Seizures: a Review of Epileptic Ictal Pain

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize the literature regarding the prevalence, pathophysiology, and anatomic networks involved with painful seizures, which are a rare but striking clinical presentation of epilepsy.

Recent findings: Several recent large case series have explored the prevalence of the main cephalgic, somatosensory, and abdominal variants of this rare disorder. Research studies including the use of electrical stimulation and functional neuroimaging have demonstrated the networks underlying painful somatosensory or visceral seizures. Improved understanding of some of the overlapping mechanisms between migraines and seizures has elucidated their common pathophysiology. The current literature reflects a widening range of awareness and understanding of painful seizures, despite their rarity.

Keywords: Abdominal; Headache; Ictal; Pain; Seizure; Somatosensory.