title: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: EEG analysis in a large series.
abstract: We analyzed EEG characteristics comprehensively in a large series of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) cases. Eighty-five ictal episodes in 78 patients were analyzed. The ictal discharges were generalized (group G) in 59 episodes (69%), diffuse with focal predominance (group GF) in 15 (18%), and focal (group F) in 11 (13%). The morphologies and patterns of persistence varied greatly. Frequency of ictal discharge was also variable and was almost always < 3 Hz. Demonstration of focal epileptic features in response to intravenous (i.v.) diazepam (DZP) and the presence of interictal focal epileptiform discharges in some cases in groups G and GF suggested possible focal onset secondarily generalized in these cases. This study suggests that electrographically NCSE is a highly heterogeneous epileptic state, and i.v. DZP may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in differentiating generalized from focal onset NCSE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Granner
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009626:Terminology as Topic
chemical_list: D003975:Diazepam