Pseudostatus epilepticus.
Thirteen patients with pseudostatus (simulated status epilepticus) have been compared to 13 patients with true status epilepticus seen at a regional neurological centre. Pseudostatus was common in patients with pseudoseizures and was often misdiagnosed as status epilepticus. Complications of this misdiagnosis included eight episodes of anticonvulsant-induced respiratory arrest. Patients with pseudostatus commonly had multiple episodes of 'status'. They usually also had a history of other unexplained illness and of deliberate self-poisoning. Management of these patients was difficult and emphasizes the need for specialist expertise for patients with epilepsy and apparent epilepsy.
Howell
S J
SJ
Mersey Regional Department of Medical and Surgical Neurology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
Owen
L
L
Chadwick
D W
DW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012737:Sex Factors; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy