Early Appearance of Diffusion-Weighted Hyperintensities in Aphasic Status Epilepticus

Abstract

Partial status epilepticus rarely manifests mainly with global aphasia. It usually results in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) abnormalities after prolonged seizures. We discuss the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a patient with aphasic status epilepticus. MRI showed diffusion restriction four hours after onset of symptoms. We summarize previously reported brain imaging findings in status epilepticus and discuss the purported mechanism behind these changes. Findings in our patient, similar to few others described in the literature, suggest that cortical DWI hyperintensities can occur shortly following aphasic status epilepticus.