Clinical Observations on a Case of Idiopathic Tetany and Epilepsy

Abstract

WE WISH to report a case in which epilepsy (grand mal) and idiopathic hypoparathyroidism with tetany occurred simultaneously. The patient was observed for a period of 2½years. In this patient a correction of the hypocalcemia completely controlled both the tetanic manifestations and the epileptic seizures, despite the discontinuation of specific anti-epileptic therapy. A white male, aged 23 years, gave a history of grand mal attacks which began at the age of 14. They were characterized by an aura of an “unusual” sensation in the mouth and extreme fatigue, follofied by a typical cry, tonic convulsions, cyanosis, tonguebiting, foaming at the mouth, and unconsciousness that lasted 5–10 minutes, and was followed by sleep. Between 1933 and 1939 he experienced about 7 such attacks. In 1939 he became subject to spells of staring and swallowing two or three times a day. In addition the grand mal attacks became more frequent and occurred two to three times every month.