# Case Report: Ictal hypersalivation: a stereoelectroencephalography exploration

**Authors:** Sumika Ouchida, Armin Nikpour, David Neville Wilson, Greg Fairbrother

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1535408 · 2025-02-26

## TL;DR

This case report explores a rare seizure symptom of excessive salivation and its successful treatment using brain monitoring and targeted therapy.

## Contribution

The study presents a novel application of SEEG-guided RFTC for treating seizures characterized by hypersalivation.

## Key findings

- The patient's seizures were characterized by hypersalivation, pill-rolling movements, and lip-smacking.
- The patient became seizure-free after SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation.
- SEEG helped identify the brain region responsible for triggering excessive salivation during seizures.

## Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with various etiologies, and recurrent unprovoked seizures characterize it. Hypersalivation is a recognized symptom of insular-opercular epilepsies. A wide range of symptoms can occur during a seizure, including hypersalivation, autonomic responses, oropharyngeal sensations, visceral sensations, somatosensory disturbances, and emotional manifestations. In this case study, we examine a unique scenario of a patient who experienced predominantly salivary seizures. Hypersalivation, pill-rolling movements, and lip-smacking characterized these seizures. Importantly, the patient became seizure-free after undergoing radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) with the assistance of Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). Our discussion will focus on the treatment approach involving SEEG-guided RFTC and the careful identification of the brain cortex responsible for triggering excessive salivation during seizures.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** epilepsy (MONDO:0005027)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** neurological condition (MESH:D019636), Hypersalivation (MESH:D012798), Epilepsy (MESH:D004827), seizure (MESH:D012640)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11897517/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11897517