Focal epilepsy expands the phenotype of <scp> <i>FUS</i> </scp> ‐associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract Epileptic seizures are an exceedingly rare manifestation in classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Emerging case reports suggest a potential link between ALS associated with FUS gene mutations (FUS‐ALS) and seizures, expanding the disease's phenotypic spectrum. A 25‐year‐old man presented with a 5‐month history of rapidly progressive limb weakness, atrophy, and both upper and lower motor neuron signs, consistent with ALS. Notably, he developed two types of epileptic seizures during the disease course, including focal motor seizures and focal seizures evolving to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform discharges over the right frontotemporal region. Brain 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed focal hypometabolism in the right frontal cortex. Genetic testing identified a de novo pathogenic FUS variant (c.1574C&gt;T, p.Pro525Leu). The patient was diagnosed with FUS‐ALS with comorbid focal epilepsy. Treatment with levetiracetam partially controlled the seizures, but motor function continued to deteriorate. This case highlights focal epilepsy as a comorbid feature in FUS‐ALS, broadening the recognized phenotypic spectrum. Genetic testing for FUS mutations should be considered in young‐onset ALS patients presenting with seizures.

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Publication Details

Journal
Epilepsia
Published
2026-07-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/epi.70409
Primary Topic
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Focal epilepsy expands the phenotype of FUS ‐associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Suobin Wang, Yuping Wang, Hai Chen, B X Cui et al.
Epilepsia
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
article

Focal epilepsy expands the phenotype of FUS ‐associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Suobin Wang, Yuping Wang, Hai Chen, B X Cui, Y R Jia, Y N Liang, Mengge Zhang
article en

Abstract

Abstract Epileptic seizures are an exceedingly rare manifestation in classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Emerging case reports suggest a potential link between ALS associated with FUS gene mutations (FUS‐ALS) and seizures, expanding the disease's phenotypic spectrum. A 25‐year‐old man presented with a 5‐month history of rapidly progressive limb weakness, atrophy, and both upper and lower motor neuron signs, consistent with ALS. Notably, he developed two types of epileptic seizures during the disease course, including focal motor seizures and focal seizures evolving to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform discharges over the right frontotemporal region. Brain 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed focal hypometabolism in the right frontal cortex. Genetic testing identified a de novo pathogenic FUS variant (c.1574C&gt;T, p.Pro525Leu). The patient was diagnosed with FUS‐ALS with comorbid focal epilepsy. Treatment with levetiracetam partially controlled the seizures, but motor function continued to deteriorate. This case highlights focal epilepsy as a comorbid feature in FUS‐ALS, broadening the recognized phenotypic spectrum. Genetic testing for FUS mutations should be considered in young‐onset ALS patients presenting with seizures.

Epilepsia
Capital Medical University (CN), Rongcheng City People's Hospital (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
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