Sturge-Weber Syndrome with Bipolar Presentation: A Case Report

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome that is manifested by overt neurological and covert psychiatric features. Although the syndrome is known to be neurocutaneous, multiple organs and systems are involved.
A 45-year-old male, with type I SWS was admitted to the psychiatric ward with manic-like symptoms. The case had a history of repeated psychiatric admissions due to seizures, mood and behavioral disorders. Upon admission, he had elevated mood, talkativeness, increased libido along with ictal aggression with psychic aura. The symptoms remitted with anticonvulsants. Other required diagnostic and treatment workups were also conducted.
A holistic approach should be adopted to manage these patients. Left brain involvement, the associated stigma, seizure disorder, adverse effects of antiepileptic medications along with coping with a chronic condition might have been the underlying mechanisms for mood and behavioral changes in this patient.