Are complex partial seizures an uncommon withdrawal sign in the elderly?
An elderly female alcohol and benzodiazepine addict presented with an atypical amnestic episode. Five days later she showed several complex partial seizures as main signs of a withdrawal state. The value of the EEG in the differential diagnosis of amnestic syndromes is emphasized. Temporolimbic involvement in withdrawal states is discussed and our ignorance regarding drug dependence and withdrawal in the elderly is stressed. It is suggested that late-onset partial seizures with unknown etiology in the elderly might be more often related to drug dependence than generally accepted.
van Sweden
B
B
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre, Ghent, Belgium.
Hoste
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*
D000431:Ethanol; D008140:Lorazepam