Sun, Seizures, And Scholastic Struggles: Recognizing Sunflower Syndrome In Early Childhood

Abstract

Sunflower Syndrome is a rare pediatric reflex epilepsy characterized by stereotyped hand-waving behavior toward light sources, eyelid myoclonia, and seizures triggered by photic stimulation. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl with declining scholastic performance and frequent light-seeking hand-waving episodes. Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed a photoparoxysmal response with generalized 3–4 Hz spike and polyspike-wave discharges. The patient responded well to valproate and non-pharmacological interventions such as blue-tinted lenses and light avoidance. Her seizure frequency reduced significantly with improvement in attention and learning. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and multimodal management in Sunflower Syndrome. A review of recent literature from 2020 to 2025 is also provided.