Hyperprolactinemia and temporal lobe epilepsy in a woman: concomitant and persistent prolactin suppression and temporal lobe epilepsy relief

Abstract

It has been reported that hyperprolactinemia may be associated with increased temporal lobe activity. Coexisting hyperprolactinemia (97.5 ± 3.2 ng/ml) related to a pituitary tumefaction (8 mm) and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE), were observed in a 37-year-old woman. Carbamazepin (CBZ) therapy induced a marked improvement in TLE symptoms and EEG recordings, but did not influence hyperprolactinemia and related symptoms. Long-lasting (27 months) normoprolactinemia (19.4 ± 0.6 ng/ml) and TLE relief were achieved on a dopamine (DA) agonist medication, e.g. pergolide mesylate, 25–50 μg/day given over 8 months, and persisted as long as 27 months after drug withdrawal. Posttreatment CT scans showed progressive shrinkage of the pituitary tumor (2 mm) associated with an empty-sella. It is proposed that, whenever TLE and hyperprolactinemia coexist, therapy with a DA agonist such as pergolide mesylate, resulting in normoprolactinemia, may be beneficial in TLE control.