Geschwind syndrome

Geschwind syndrome
Synonyms	Gastaut-Geschwind syndrome
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hypergraphia, hyperreligiosity, atypical sexuality, circumstantiality, intensified mental life
Complications	Social dysfunction, emotional instability
Onset	Adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Temporal lobe epilepsy
Risks	Seizures, temporal lobe abnormalities
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, neuroimaging
Differential diagnosis	Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antiepileptic drugs, psychotherapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Geschwind syndrome is a behavioral condition that is characterized by hypergraphia, hyperreligiosity, atypical sexuality, circumstantiality, and altered eating habits. It is named after Norman Geschwind, an American neurologist who described the syndrome in his research.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Geschwind syndrome include:

• Hypergraphia: An overwhelming urge to write.
• Hyperreligiosity: An increased interest in religious activities.
• Atypical sexuality: Changes in sexual behavior, often a decreased interest in sex.
• Circumstantiality: Speech that is very detailed and lengthy, often excessively so.
• Altered eating habits: Changes in eating habits, often an increased interest in food.

Causes

Geschwind syndrome is often associated with temporal lobe epilepsy and is thought to be caused by changes in the brain's temporal lobe. However, the exact cause is not known.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Geschwind syndrome is based on the presence of the characteristic symptoms. There are no specific tests for the condition, but brain imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for Geschwind syndrome is focused on managing the symptoms. This may include medication for seizures if the person also has temporal lobe epilepsy. Psychotherapy may also be helpful.

See also

• Temporal lobe epilepsy
• Behavioral neurology