Abdominal epilepsy. A cause of abdominal pain in adults

M. A. Peppercorn, A. G. Herzog, M. A. Dichter and C. I. Mayman

Four patients, aged 17 to 47 years, had paroxysmal abdominal pain associated with symptoms suggestive of a CNS disturbance. None had a discernible primary gastrointestinal process, but each had EEG abnormalities and a striking response to anticonvulsant medication. These findings suggest that abdominal epilepsy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained paroxysmal abdominal pain.