Presence Of Status Epilepticus Research Articles

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus: A Review for Emergency Clinicians

BackgroundStatus epilepticus is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is divided into convulsive status epilepticus and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). ObjectiveThis review provides a focused evaluation of NCSE for emergency clinicians. DiscussionNCSE is a form of status epilepticus presenting with prolonged seizure activity. This disease is underdiagnosed, as it presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms, most commonly change in mental status without overt convulsive motor activity. Causes include epilepsy, cerebral pathology or injury, any systemic insult such as infection, and drugs or toxins. Mortality is primarily related to the underlying condition. Patients most commonly present with altered mental status, but other signs and symptoms include abnormal ocular movements and automatisms such as lip smacking or subtle motor twitches in the face or extremities. The diagnosis is divided into electrographic and electroclinical, and although electroencephalogram (EEG) is recommended for definitive diagnosis, emergency clinicians should consider this disease in patients with prolonged postictal state after a seizure with no improvement in mental status, altered mental status with acute cerebral pathology (e.g., stroke, hypoxic brain injury), and unexplained altered mental status. Assessment includes laboratory evaluation and neuroimaging with EEG. Management includes treating life-threatening conditions, including compromise of the airway, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypo- or hyperthermia, followed by rapid cessation of the seizure activity with benzodiazepines and other antiseizure medications. ConclusionsAn understanding of the presentation and management of NCSE can assist emergency clinicians in the care of these patients.

Outcomes In Patients with Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma with Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (N3.002)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To evaluate the factors contributing to poor outcomes in patients with acute traumatic subdural hematoma (aSDH) who developed nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). <h3>Background:</h3> NCSE in patients with aSDH is an underdiagnosed yet fatal complication that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. A high degree of clinical suspicion and evaluation with continuous EEG is required for prompt diagnosis and treatment. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This is a single-institution retrospective study approved by the local IRB. Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with aSDH diagnosed with status epilepticus between the years 2016–2020 were included. Demographic, clinical, imaging, treatment, and EEG details were reviewed and collected in a HIPPA-compliant format. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors contributing to poor outcomes. <h3>Results:</h3> Out of a total of 540 patients, who had presented with traumatic acute intra-cerebral hemorrhage between the years 2016–2022, 28 patients with traumatic aSDH who had presented with status epileptics during the same hospitalization were included in the present study. NCSE was the most common form of status epilepticus (27/28). The mean age was 67 (range 20–92) years and 17(60%) were male. 12(48%) of the patients had an initial presenting GCS of 7 or less. The mean length of stay in the hospital was 16 (5–44) days. Overall mortality was 19(64%). Logistic regression analysis identified the presence of central spikes on EEG (p:0.43, OR:12.72; 95% CI 1.083–149.35) and thickness of aSDH&gt; 1cm (p: 0.025; OR: 16.545; 95%CI: 1.426–191.95) as predictors of mortality in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Good functional outcomes with mRS&lt;2 were seen in rarely 10(35%) of these patients. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a common form of presentation of status epilepticus in patients with acute traumatic SDH. The presence of epileptiform activity in the central leads in EEG often leads to resistant seizures. NCSE carries a poor prognosis with high mortality. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Mohammed has nothing to disclose. Miss Stebbins has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Shah has received research support from Eisai pharma .

Assessment of Prognostic Factors and Validity of Scoring Models in Childhood Autoimmune Encephalitis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors in a single-center pediatric cohort with autoimmune encephalitis. The study group consisted of 23 pediatric autoimmune encephalitis patients (seropositive autoimmune encephalitis: 15, seronegative autoimmune encephalitis: 8). Five group prognostic parameters were evaluated: clinical manifestations, elect roenc ephal ograp hy features, magnetic resonance imaging characteristics, biomarkers, and treatment modalities. Three scoring models were applied: the Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy and Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy for predicting autoimmune-related epilepsy in the whole cohort and the anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor Encephalitis 1-Year Functional Status score for overall outcome in patients with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis. The initial clinical spectrum of the disease was similar in the seronegative and seropositive groups. Almost half of the patients (48%) recovered without any complications with first-line immunotherapy. The patients with movement disorders in the acute phase of the disease needed more likely second-line immunotherapy (P = .039). The presence of status epilepticus at admission was significantly associated with adverse outcomes and the development of autoimmune-related epilepsy (P = .019). Autoimmune-related epilepsy was defined in an equal proportion of patients (91.5%) with 2 immune epilepsy scores (Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy and Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy). The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor Encephalitis 1-Year Functional Status score and the modified Rankin score assessed for the first-year prognosis were strongly correlated among the patients with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis (P = .03, Spearmen's rho = 0.751). The presence of status epilepticus was the most important prognostic factor in the patients with the adverse outcome. The studied scoring models (Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor Encephalitis 1-Year Functional Status, Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy, and Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy) have also been proven to be applicable to the pediatric age group for predicting overall outcome and autoimmune-related epilepsy.

Evaluation of Adverse Outcome Predictors in Neonatal Seizure: A Longitudinal Study from a Tertiary Centre of Eastern India

Introduction: Neonatal seizures are common but can be manifestations of serious underlying disorders and sometimes have a grave prognosis. Predictors for adverse outcomes are important for early referral and advanced interventions. Aim: To study the incidence and factors associated with neonatal seizure and to determine the predictors of adverse outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal study, conducted from April 2020 to March 2021 at a Rural Medical College (Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal) in Eastern India. All the admitted newborns (N=143) in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), who had clinically evident seizures, were included in the study. Data were collected regarding the perinatal history, gestational age, type of delivery, birth weight, APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes, and need for resuscitation at birth. The onset of the seizure, seizure type, investigation findings, possible aetiological diagnosis, and final outcome was noted. The management of neonatal seizures was as per the institutional protocol. Babies were followed up for a minimum of 28 days or throughout their hospital stay till discharge/death. The outcome was categorised into two categories: ‘favourable’ when there was a normal neurological examination and ‘unfavourable’ when there was any neurological impairment or death. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Risk factors were determined by analysing outcomes using simple and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The p-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 143 newborns had seizures out of 3126, making the incidence of neonatal seizures 4.57%. Males outnumbered females. Total 64.33% were preterm. Five minutes APGAR score &lt;7 was noticed in 44.75%. The most common type was subtle seizure. Advanced resuscitation manoeuvre was required for 46.8% cases whereas mechanical ventilation was required in 11.88%. The most common aetiology was birth asphyxia (46.15%), and the cranial ultrasound showed Hypoxic Ishchaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) changes in 30.77% of cases. Multiple logistic regressions revealed only four factors, namely, preterm delivery (OR 5.82), need for extensive resuscitation manoeuvre (OR 6.21), presence of status epilepticus (OR 3.49) and abnormal cranial ultrasound (OR 1.02) to be the independent risk factors for unfavourable outcome. Conclusion: Clinical diagnosis of neonatal seizure could be useful in resource poor centers, where video-Electroencephalogram (EEG) is not available. Premature delivery, need for extensive resuscitation, presence of status epilepticus and abnormal cranial ultrasound were associated with poor short-term outcome.

Seizure Evolution and Outcome in Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis

BackgroundOur study aimed to characterize seizure incidence and seizure outcome of pediatric autoimmune encephalitis (AE) focusing on subgroup analysis based on antibody (Ab). MethodsAmong 110 pediatric patients with AE, we compared seizure characteristics and outcomes in 68 patients with seizure, who satisfied the proposed criteria of pediatric AE. Accordingly, patients were classified into three groups, anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG) AE, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (anti-NMDAR) AE, and Ab-negative AE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for postencephalitic seizures, defined as persisting seizures six months after onset. ResultsSeizure incidence in the anti-NMDAR (88.9%) and Ab-negative (71.1%) groups differed from anti-MOG group (37.8%). Median seizure frequency within six months was higher in the Ab-negative group (6.0, interquartile range [IQR] 3.0 to 13.0) than in the anti-NMDAR group (3.0, IQR 2.0 to 4.5) and anti-MOG group (2.0, IQR 1.0 to 5.0). Patients in the Ab-negative group tended to develop postencephalitic seizures more frequently and have a lower seizure freedom rate than those in the anti-NMDAR and anti-MOG groups. Ab-negative status, high seizure frequency within six months, and the presence of status epilepticus were associated with the development of postencephalitic seizures on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, Ab-negative status remained the only significant variable linked with postencephalitic seizure (odds ratio, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 18.05). ConclusionsWe delineated the seizure incidence, evolution, and outcome of pediatric patients with Ab-positive and Ab-negative AE. Ab-negative status is predictive of higher seizure burden, more frequent development of postencephalitic seizures, and less favorable seizure outcome than anti-NMDAR and anti-MOG Ab-positive status.

How to Help Your Patients Enroll in the New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) and Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES) Family Registry, and Other Rare Epilepsy Registries.

New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a rare clinical presentation of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) that occurs in people without active epilepsy or preexisting neurologic disorder. Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a subcategory of NORSE. New-onset refractory status epilepticus/FIRES are becoming increasingly recognized; however, information pertaining to disease course, clinical outcomes, and survivorship remains limited, and mortality and morbidity are variable, but often high. The objective of the NORSE/FIRES Family Registry is to (1) provide an easily accessible and internationally available multilingual registry into which survivors or NORSE/FIRES surrogates or family members of people affected by NORSE/FIRES or their physicians can enter data in a systematic and rigorous research study from anywhere in the world where internet is available; and (2) to examine past medical history, outcomes, and quality of life for people affected by NORSE/FIRES.

The Role of Electroencephalography in the Prognostication of Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children: A Review.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a neurologic monitoring modality that allows for the identification of seizures and the understanding of cerebral function. Not only can EEG data provide real-time information about a patient’s clinical status, but providers are increasingly using these results to understand short and long-term prognosis in critical illnesses. Adult studies have explored these associations for many years, and now the focus has turned to applying these concepts to the pediatric literature. The aim of this review is to characterize how EEG can be utilized clinically in pediatric intensive care settings and to highlight the current data available to understand EEG features in association with functional outcomes in children after critical illness. In the evaluation of seizures and seizure burden in children, there is abundant data to suggest that the presence of status epilepticus during illness is associated with poorer outcomes and a higher risk of mortality. There is also emerging evidence indicating that poorly organized EEG backgrounds, lack of normal sleep features and lack of electrographic reactivity to clinical exams portend worse outcomes in this population. Prognostication in pediatric critical illness must be informed by the comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s clinical status but the utilization of EEG may help contribute to this assessment in a meaningful way.

Occipital Lobe Status Epilepticus, A Stroke Mimic with Novel Imaging Findings: A Case Report

IntroductionStroke mimics are a major diagnostic challenge during the initial evaluation of patients presenting with an acute focal neurological deficit. This case reviews a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with homonymous hemianopsia, a rare manifestation of focal status epilepticus of the occipital lobe. Her initial brain computed axial tomographic perfusion scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed novel findings associated with this diagnosis.Case ReportA 70-year-old female presented to our ED with left visual field hemianopsia, dyskinesia, dysmetria, and facial droop. Her initial diagnosis was left posterior fossa circulation cerebrovascular accident. However, her neuroimaging indicated hypervascularity of the left occipital lobe without evidence of infarct or structural lesion. A cerebral angiogram excluded arteriovenous malformation. Subsequently, an electroencephalogram showed left occipital lobe status epilepticus.ConclusionHemianopsia is a rare presentation of focal status epilepticus mimicking stroke. Hypervascularity seen on advanced neuroimaging may have suggested this diagnosis on initial ED evaluation.

Occipital Lobe Status Epilepticus; A Rare Stroke Mimic with Novel Imaging Findings: A Case Report

Introduction This case reviews a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with homonymous hemianopsia, a rare manifestation of partial status epilepticus of the occipital lobe. Her initial brain computerized axial tomographic (CT) perfusion scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed novel findings associated with this diagnosis. Case Report A 70-year-old female presented to our ED with left visual field hemianopsia, dyskinesia, dysmetria and facial droop. Her initial diagnosis was left posterior fossa circulation cerebrovascular accident. However, her neuroimaging indicated hypervascularity of the left occipital lobe without evidence of infarct or structural lesion. A cerebral angiogram excluded arterio-venous malformation. Subsequently, an electroencephalogram showed left occipital lobe status epilepticus. Conclusion Hemianopsia is a rare presentation of partial status epilepticus mimicking stroke. Hypervascularity seen on advanced neuroimaging may have suggested this diagnosis on initial ED evaluation.

Seizures and epilepsy in multiple sclerosis, aquaporin 4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.

Seizure is one of the manifestations of central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases, which mainly include multiple sclerosis (MS), aquaporin 4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Acute symptomatic seizures secondary to MS/AQP4-NMOSD/MOGAD occur in the acute phase of the diseases, and are more frequent in MOGAD. In contrast, recurrent nonprovoked seizures, mainly attributed to autoimmune-associated epilepsy, occur in the nonacute phase of the diseases. Seizures in MS/AQP4-NMOSD/MOGAD mostly have a focal onset. MS patients with concomitant systemic infections, earlier onset, and greater disease activity are more likely to have seizures, whereas factors such as greater MS severity, the presence of status epilepticus, and cortical damage indicate a greater risk of developing epilepsy. In MOGAD, cerebral cortical encephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like phenotypes (predominately ADEM and multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis) indicate a greater seizure risk. Multiple relapses with ADEM-like phenotypes predict epilepsy in pediatrics with MOGAD. Pathophysiologically, acute symptomatic seizures in MS are associated with neuronal hyperexcitability secondary to inflammation and demyelination. Chronic epilepsy in MS is largely due to gliosis, neuronal dysfunction, and synaptic abnormalities. The mainstay of treatment for seizures secondary to MS/AQP4-NMOSD/MOGAD consists of immunotherapy along with antiseizure medications. This critical review discusses the most-updated evidence on epidemiology, clinical correlates, and inflammatory mechanisms underlying seizures and epilepsy in MS/AQP4-NMOSD/MOGAD. Treatment cautions including drug-drug interactions and the impact of treatments on the diseases are outlined. We also highlight pitfalls and challenges in managing such patients and future research perspectives to address unsolved questions.

Prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of drug-resistant epilepsy in autoimmune encephalitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence and biomarkers of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AIE). MethodsSixty-nine patients with AIE were recruited retrospectively and electroencephalographies (EEGs) were reviewed using a standard reporting proforma. Associations between EEG biomarkers and DRE development at 12 months were examined using logistic regression modeling and were utilized to create a DRE risk score. ResultsSixteen percent of patients with AIE developed DRE at 12-month follow-up. The presence of status epilepticus (SE) (OR 11.50, 95% CI [2.81, 51.86], p-value <0.001), temporal lobe focality (OR 9.90, 95% CI [2.60, 50.71], p-value 0.001) and periodic discharges (OR 19.12, 95% CI [3.79, 191.10], p-value 0.001) on the admission EEG were associated with the development of DRE at 12 months. These variables were utilized to create a clinically applicable risk score for the prediction of DRE development. ConclusionsDrug-resistant epilepsy is an infrequent complication of AIE. Electroencephalography changes during the acute illness can predict the risk of DRE at 12 months post-acute AIE. SignificanceThe identified EEG biomarkers provide the basis to generate a clinically applicable prediction tool which could be used to inform treatment, prognosis, and select patients for acute treatment trials.

(PO-017) Major Depressive Episode Presentation of Frontal Lobe Status Epilepticus Resolved with Levetiracetam Monotherapy

(PO-017) Major Depressive Episode Presentation of Frontal Lobe Status Epilepticus Resolved with Levetiracetam Monotherapy

Hashimoto Encephalopathy Presenting with New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus and Clinical Hyperthyroidism

NORSE occurs secondary to multiple etiologies including a rare diagnosis of Hashimoto Encephalopathy (HE). The mechanism of HE is not fully understood. Most reported patients with HE are hypothyroid or euthyroid at the time of presentation. Patients with HE commonly present with subacute clinical features, namely behavioral changes, and rarely with the acute presentation of status epilepticus. We report a case of a 14 years old female presenting with New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) and clinical hyperthyroidism, subsequently developing behavioral symptoms with multiple relapses requiring various treatment modalities including pulse steroid therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, plasmapheresis and eventually partial thyroidectomy.

250 Advanced management of out of hospital cardiac arrest: a single-centre experience in a tertiary cardiac intensive care unit

Abstract Aims Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) affects around 1/1000 person-years. Following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the patient can manifest neurological impairment. A targeted temperature management (TTM) protocol is recommended to prevent hypoxic–ischaemic brain damage in patients with coma after cardiac arrest. Neuro-prognostication remains substantial for the prediction of clinical outcomes. To study clinical characteristics, overall survival, and neurological outcome of patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) &amp;lt;8 after ROSC following an OHCA of presumed cardiac cause at our Institution. Secondly, to investigate determinants of a negative neurological outcome. Methods Observational retrospective study evaluating all patients with OHCA of presumed cardiac cause and with GCS &amp;lt; 8 after ROSC treated in an intensive cardiac care unit of a tertiary centre. The study period was from January 2017 to December 2020. Results One-hundred and five patients out of 107 patients initially selected were included in the study (77% male, mean age 67 years). At 30 days, mortality was 41% and 53% of patients had a poor neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category, CPC, 3–5). Sixty-nine patients (66%) underwent TTM. In regard of the circumstances of OHCA, index event in a private place [OR = 3.12 (1.43–7.11), P = 0.005], ineffective rhythm changes during resuscitation manoeuvres [OR = 2.40 (1.05–5.47), P = 0.037] and a greater amount of adrenaline administered during resuscitation [OR = 1.62 (1.27–2.06), P &amp;lt; 0.001] were related to a worse neurological outcome. A history of diabetes mellitus [OR = 3.35 (1.26–8.91), P = 0.015], blood lactates at presentation [OR = 1.33 (1.15—1.53), P &amp;lt; 0.001], neuron-specific enolase (NSE) at presentation [OR = 1.055 (1.022–1.089), P &amp;lt; 0.001] and as peak [OR = 1.034 (1.013–1.054), P &amp;lt; 0.001] were associated with a worse neurological outcome. Among the neurological examinations, the presence of status epilepticus on the EEG [OR = 13.97 (1.73–113.02), P = 0.013] was a predictor of a poor neurological outcome. Treatment with targeted temperature management did not show a significant impact in terms of outcome at univariate analysis [OR = 1.226 (0.547–2.748), P = 0.62]. Two models were developed with multivariate logistic regression for the prediction of neurological outcome. The first one, on a statistical basis, considers pupil reactivity after ROSC, NSE as peak and left ventricular ejection fraction (AUC = 92%). The second model, on a clinical basis, considers age, first blood lactate value and NSE as peak (AUC = 89 %). Finally, the performance of the multiparametric MIRACLE score was tested in our population (AUC 0.81 for neurological outcome at 30 days). Conclusions In our population, at 30 days after cardiac arrest, survival rate and the rate of good neurological outcome were comparable to those of the major international registries and studies. Even though patients treated with TTM did not demonstrate significant differences in terms of neurological outcome, this might be related to study-sample size and patient selection. Results in the literature are still controversial on this topic. The MIRACLE score showed a good performance, making it suitable for clinical use in our population. Similarly, the proposed multivariate models are potentially useful for the elaboration of simple and effective prognostic scores in neurological risk stratification.

Clinical presentation of new onset refractory status epilepticus in children (the pSERG cohort).

ObjectiveWe aimed to characterize the clinical profile and outcomes of new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) in children, and investigated the relationship between fever onset and status epilepticus (SE).MethodsPatients with refractory SE (RSE) between June 1, 2011 and October 1, 2016 were prospectively enrolled in the pSERG (Pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group) cohort. Cases meeting the definition of NORSE were classified as "NORSE of known etiology" or "NORSE of unknown etiology." Subgroup analysis of NORSE of unknown etiology was completed based on the presence and time of fever occurrence relative to RSE onset: fever at onset (≤24 h), previous fever (2 weeks–24 h), and without fever.ResultsOf 279 patients with RSE, 46 patients met the criteria for NORSE. The median age was 2.4 years, and 25 (54%) were female. Forty (87%) patients had NORSE of unknown etiology. Nineteen (48%) presented with fever at SE onset, 16 (40%) had a previous fever, and five (12%) had no fever. The patients with preceding fever had more prolonged SE and worse outcomes, and 25% recovered baseline neurological function. The patients with fever at onset were younger and had shorter SE episodes, and 89% recovered baseline function.SignificanceAmong pediatric patients with RSE, 16% met diagnostic criteria for NORSE, including the subcategory of febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). Pediatric NORSE cases may also overlap with refractory febrile SE (FSE). FIRES occurs more frequently in older children, the course is usually prolonged, and outcomes are worse, as compared to refractory FSE. Fever occurring more than 24 h before the onset of seizures differentiates a subgroup of NORSE patients with distinctive clinical characteristics and worse outcomes.

Cognitive Biases to Consider in Non-convulsive Status Epilepticus Presenting in a Hematologic Malignancy.

Cognitive Biases to Consider in Non-convulsive Status Epilepticus Presenting in a Hematologic Malignancy.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) due to acute hypertension in children: 12years single-center experience.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the clinical and neuroradiological findings, the risk factors for recurrence and the prognosis in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome developed secondary to acute hypertension in children. The study was conducted between 2008 and 2019 at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine. A total of 49 episodes were evaluated retrospectively in 38 patients with PRES secondary to acute hypertension. The demographic data, etiology, and clinical and neuroradiological findings were recorded. Twenty-one (55.3%) patients were female; the mean age was 11.8years. The etiology of acute hypertension in 29 (76.3%) patients was end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The most common clinical findings were seizure (81.6%) and altered consciousness (79.6%). Status epilepticus developed in eight (16.3%) episodes. MRI lesions were atypical in 33 episodes (67.3%). In eight (21%) patients, PRES recurred. Irreversible brain damage was detected after PRES in three (7.8%) patients. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated in 82.2% and 71.4% of the episodes, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between the recurrence, the duration of hospitalization at the PICU, SE and the occurrence of irreversible lesion (p = 0.013, p = 0.015, p = 0.001 respectively). Also, there were statistically significant relationships between recurrence and ESRD; epilepsy and recurrences; SE and irreversible brain damage (p = 0.02, p = 0.012, p = 0.025 respectively). Although PRES is usually known to have a good prognosis, the mortality and morbidity rates may increase in the long-term follow-up as in our study. In this study, the etiology, the presence of status epilepticus, PICU history, atypical MRI lesions and increased inflammatory markers were found to be important for the prognosis in PRES.

A Three Year Retrospective Chart Review of Patients in Convulsive Status Epilepticus Presenting to the Emergency Department (4766)

A Three Year Retrospective Chart Review of Patients in Convulsive Status Epilepticus Presenting to the Emergency Department (4766)

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) Presenting as Acute Confusional State

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) Presenting as Acute Confusional State

Non-convulsive status epilepticus presenting as acute confusional state in a young adult

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) can occur in a variety of clinical conditions and is characterized by prolonged electrographic seizures without clinically discernible seizure activity. It may be one of the most frequently missed diagnoses in patients with altered neurologic function because it is often seen in patients with other serious illnesses. For accurate diagnosis of NCSE, an alteration in baseline cognition or behavior and a concurrent epileptiform seizure pattern on electroencephalography (EEG) must be present. This case of a young adult male presented to our emergency room with an acute onset of confusional state and behavioral changes with no clue for its etiology on initial clinical or after routine investigations including CT brain until EEG picked up continuous epileptic discharges. He responded dramatically to antiepileptic drugs without any recurrence during follow-up of 4 months. Many cases like this are being diagnosed with the use of continuous EEG monitoring (cEEG) in Neurological Intensive Care Units. The advent of cEEG is instrumental in the diagnosis as well as monitoring the response to treatment of this condition with antiepileptic drugs. Increased awareness and a high index of suspicion are needed for timely diagnosis of NCSE if a patient presents with acute onset of unexplainable cognitive or behavioral change of at least 30–60 min duration. Patients with NCSE need to be managed exactly as convulsive SE, using EEG as a guide rather than clinical observations as the determinant of response to treatment.