Abstract
Hot water epilepsy (HWE) is a type of reflex epilepsy in which seizures are precipitated
by pouring water at a higher temperature during bathing onto the head or body. The
etiology is still not known and is presumably both genetic and environmental. Focal
seizures with impaired awareness are the most common seizure types and generalized
tonic-clonic seizures are the second common type of seizures. The diagnosis is clinical.
Interictal electroencephalography and neuroimaging are usually normal. Treatment consists
of avoidance of the triggering factor. However, in cases where this option is not
effective, antiepileptics can be used. Clobazam appears to be the most effective therapy,
particularly for pure HWE. This is an up-to-date review of the literature.
Keywords
hot water - epilepsy - reflex
