Ictal Coprolalia: A Case Report and Review of Ictal Speech as a Localizing Feature in Epilepsy

Pediatr Neurol. 2016 Apr:57:88-90. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2015.11.013. Epub 2016 Jan 19.

Abstract

Background: Recognizing ictal semiology is an essential component to localization of seizure onset, especially in intractable epilepsy where surgical therapies may be beneficial. Ictal speech can be a common component of seizure semiology, but the various forms of ictal speech may have different lateralizing and localizing value. Coprolalia is a very rare form of ictal speech.

Methods: We present a 15 year old with medically intractable seizures characterized by agitation and coprolalia.

Results: The patient underwent surgical evaluation including video EEG, MRI, and functional neuroimaging. These studies indicated onset within the dominant frontal lobe which was further localized using stereo-electroencephalography prior to focal cortical resection.

Conclusions: Ictal coprolalia is a rare presentation of ictal speech. We review the various forms of ictal speech and their value in localizing seizure onset.

Keywords: coprolalia; frontal lobe; ictal semiology; ictal speech; temporal lobe.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Frontal Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Human Coprophagia / diagnosis*
  • Human Coprophagia / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Speech / physiology*
  • Video Recording