Focal seizures and non-ketotic hyperglycaemia.
The clinical features of seven patients with non-ketotic hyperglycaemia who developed focal seizures are presented. All patients were alert except one who was mildly confused. Glucose values varied from 17.8 to 55.1 mmol/l, while calculated osmolarity values were elevated in all cases to a mild or moderate extent (299.1 to 346.5 mmol/l). In three cases diabetes mellitus was a new diagnosis. Four patients had recurrent episodes of focal seizures when glycaemic control was lost. Movement induced or kinesigenic seizures were seen in three cases and epilepsia partialis continua in one case. Seizures associated with hyperglycaemia are resistant to anticonvulsant treatment and respond best to insulin and rehydration. Focal seizures in adults may indicate diabetes mellitus.
Hennis
A
A
Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Corbin
D
D
Fraser
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents