Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Dev Med Child Neurol. 2021 Mar;63(3):259-262. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.14723. Epub 2020 Oct 31.
Sunflower syndrome is a rare photosensitive epilepsy which has received little attention in recent medical literature. The historical cases documenting the epilepsy's stereotyped handwaving motion in front of light characterized the behavior as self-inducing seizures via mimic of stroboscopic effect. However, the relationship between handwaving episodes and attendant generalized electroencephalogram abnormalities, and an appreciation of the compulsive attraction the sun and other light sources hold for these patients, suggest the handwaving motion may be a part of the seizure rather than a mechanism of self-induction. The lack of awareness of Sunflower syndrome often leads to misdiagnosis. The seizures are often refractory to traditional anticonvulsant medication, and patients resort to behavioral intervention, such as hats and sunglasses, to reduce handwaving episodes. Further study is required to determine the syndrome's natural history and to identify more effective treatment options. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Sunflower syndrome is a rare condition that is often misdiagnosed. Awareness of the clinical and electroencephalogram characteristics of Sunflower syndromemay reduce the prevalence of misdiagnosis.
向日葵综合征是一种罕见的光敏性癫痫，在最近的医学文献中很少受到关注。历史病例记录了癫痫在光面前刻板的挥手动作，将这种行为特征描述为通过频闪效应模仿来自我诱导发作。然而，挥手发作与伴随的全面性脑电图异常之间的关系，以及对这些患者对阳光和其他光源的强制性吸引力的认识，表明挥手动作可能是发作的一部分，而不是自我诱导的机制。对向日葵综合征缺乏认识往往导致误诊。这些发作通常对传统的抗惊厥药物有抗药性，患者诉诸于行为干预，如帽子和太阳镜，以减少挥手发作。需要进一步研究来确定该综合征的自然病史，并确定更有效的治疗选择。本文的贡献在于：向日葵综合征是一种常被误诊的罕见病症。对向日葵综合征的临床和脑电图特征的认识可能会降低误诊的发生率。
