Temporal tumor as a cause of bipolar-like disorder?

Abstract

Introduction

The relationship between brain tumours, temporal epilepsy and psychiatric symptoms are historically known.

Objectives

To report a case of mania in a patient with previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, temporal tumour and temporal epilepsy.

Methods

Clinical records. Research on PubMed, using “lateral temporal epilepsy” or “brain tumour” and “mania”.

Results

A 52 years old man was conducted to the emergency department by the police. He was found with psychomotor agitation at the Sanctuary of Fátima. He was apparently hyperthimic with flight of ideas. He had a history of epilepsy and temporal tumour and two previous manic episodes. It was assumed as a maniac episode.

During inpatient evaluation, patient had memory for the occurrence. He described a sudden onset on the day before, after drinking wine. He described delirant atmosphere, persecutory and mystic delusional beliefs “this is the third secret of Fátima being revealed”, followed by ecstasy and psychomotor agitation. Remission was obtained in one week on psychotropics. MRI documented the lesion. Electroencephalography performed one month later revealed “slow waves.”

Conclusions

Organic causes should be excluded before consider a psychiatric disorder. The hypothesis of epilepsy-related psychosis or mania and other effects of a temporal tumour should be considered in etiology. However, co morbidity with bipolar disorder cannot be excluded.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.