Unusual cause of seizures: Imported fire ant bite reaction

Imported fire ant (IFA) species can lead to a lot of allergic manifestations. This can vary from pustular eruptions at the bite site to anaphylactic shock, cardiac, and neurological manifestations. We are presenting an unusual manifestation of ant bite – a 56-year-old woman who developed seizures following a bite of IFA. She experienced an ant bite on her back following which she developed seizures. She had a similar episode 5 years back following ant bite (similar in appearance). This being an unusual presentation, was treated as a primary seizure disorder. She had discontinued therapy due to allergic reaction to the anti-epileptic drug. On presentation to our hospital, she was screened for organic causes for seizures that were negative. Her description of the ant matched with that of IFA – Solenopsis invicta and was confirmed by physical verification. The patient was advised about avoidance of ant bites, using fully covered clothing at the workplace.