Abstract

Unusual cause of seizures: Imported fire ant bite reaction.

Abinaya, O. Moorthy, Swathy

Abstract


Imported fire ant (IFA) species can lead to a lot of allergic manifestations. This can vary from pustular eruptions at the bite site to anaphylactic shock, cardiac, and neurological manifestations. We are presenting an unusual manifestation of ant bite a 56-year-old woman who developed seizures following a bite of IFA. She experienced an ant bite on her back following which she developed seizures. She had a similar episode 5 years back following ant bite (similar in appearance). This being an unusual presentation, was treated as a primary seizure disorder. She had discontinued therapy due to allergic reaction to the anti-epileptic drug. On presentation to our hospital, she was screened for organic causes for seizures that were negative. Her description of the ant matched with that of IFA Solenopsis invicta and was confirmed by physical verification. The patient was advised about avoidance of ant bites, using fully covered clothing at the workplace.


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