First Seizure Due to a Ruptured Brain Dermoid Cyst

Introduction: first seizure is an unpleasant experience, the underlying cause and probability of recurrence is critical for the patient. Case: A ۷۲ years old female was brought to our emergency department with a complaint of first seizure. Her daughter stated that she had had a tonic colonic generalized seizure that lasted about ۱۰ seconds. She was complaining of a headache at the time of arrival in the ED, and the seizure had ended. The physical examination was normal and she had no past medical history. Spiral axial brain CT scanning demonstrated a sharp, round lesion with peripheral calcification near the pineal gland which compressed the third ventricle. Multiple nodules with fat density were seen in the subarachnoid space. Phenytoin was started for seizure prophylaxis and a neurosurgery consultation was requested. Tumor was completely reacted. Conclusion: This is a rare case of dermoid cyst near the pineal which compressed the third ventricle and caused midline shift and hydrocephaly. The cause of seizure may be the cyst rupturing. Complete cyst resection is the preferred treatment.

Keywords:

Dermoid cyst , Phenytoin , Seizure