Absence status: a report of two cases.
Two known epileptics presented with abnormal behaviour. One was inattentive, aggressive and ataxic. The other carried out quite complex, though purposeless activity. EEG's revealed that the patients' behavioural abnormalities were due to uncontrolled seizures. Absence Status is an uncommon condition and its various manifestations can lead to delays in its recognition and treatment. It should be considered as a possible diagnosis in any patient who presents with recurring episodes of confusion.
D001259:Ataxia / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications*; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology