Evidence for reflex activation of experiential complex partial seizures.

Reflex activation of seizures by thoughts or mental images is suggested by patients but has not been objectively demonstrated. The authors present a report of a man with experiential complex partial seizures reliably activated by thinking about his family home. During monitoring, such seizures were repeatedly induced in this way. Seizures were refractory to antiepileptic drugs, but ceased after left temporal resection. Pathologic examination showed cortical dysplasia.