A rare case of lupus cerebritis presenting as ictal epileptic headache: A case report

Abstract

Ictal epileptic headache, characterized by headache as the sole symptom of a seizure attack, is a rare condition. In this case report, we present a 52-year-old female with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who sought medical attention at the headache clinic due to a new type of headache. The headache was described as an intense painful wave followed by a dull headache, without autonomic symptoms or migrainous features. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing lesion in the left hippocampus in addition to two other lesions in the corpus callosum and left parieto-occipital lobe. Electroencephalography during the headache episodes showed epileptic discharges originating from the left fronto-temporal region. The patient was initiated on levetiracetam, which resulted in the resolution of both the epileptic discharges and the headaches. This case underscores the significance of considering ictal epileptic headache as a potential secondary cause for headaches, particularly in patients with underlying conditions that may predispose them to epilepsy, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Keywords: headache; ictal epileptic headache; systemic lupus erythematosus.