title: [Prolonged absence states in aged patients without epileptic antecedents].
abstract: Eight cases of [absence status] are reported, occurring in old patients (7 females, 1 male), mean age 75 years, without any known history of epilepsy. The main clinical feature was a fluctuating state of consciousness, during which the EEG showed diffuse spikes and polyspikes with a frontal predominance. These abnormalities disappeared after intravenous benzodiazepine administration, resulting in most cases in a spectacular clinical improvement. Five of our patients had a depressive history and were taking antidepressive or psychotropic drugs. Hyponatremia or hypokalemia probably secondary to diuretic medications, was present in 4 cases. No recurrence occurred with or without long-term anti-epileptic medication.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
vernacular_title: Etats d'absence prolongée chez des patients agés sans passé épileptique.