Nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Ictal confusion in later life.
In 11 patients without histories of absence seizures, acute prolonged confusion and/or prominent psychiatric manifestations occurred between the ages of 42 and 76 years, and were accompanied by 1 to 2.5-Hz generalized spike-wave or multiple spike-wave discharges in the EEGs. The patients were successfully treated with intravenously administered diazepam followed by orally administered phenytoin sodium and/or phenobarbital. The ictal confusion in later life seems to be an entity distinct from the typical petit mal status of early onset.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003221:Confusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology