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Transient abolition of generalized photosensitive epileptic discharge in humans by apomorphine, a dopamine-receptor agonist

Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (Drs. Quesney, Andermann, Lal, and Prelevic), McGill University, Montreal Neurological Hospital (Drs. Quesney, Andermann, and Prelevic), and Montreal General Hospital (Dr. Lal), Canada.

Apomorphine, an agonist of dopamine receptors, blocks or significantly reduces photically induced seizures in the baboon (Papio papio). We therefore studied the effect of subcutaneously administered apomorphine in 11 patients with generalized photosensitive epilepsy. Visual evoked potentials were not altered by apomorphine, but in nine patients apomorphine transiently blocked the epileptic photosensitivity for an average of 45 minutes. Therefore, dopaminergic mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of human generalized photosensitive epilepsy.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Quesney, Montreal Neurological Institute, 3801 University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.

Accepted for publication January 18, 1980.

Presented in part at the Epilepsy International Symposium, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, September 1978.