Non-convulsive status epilepticus presenting as a psychiatric condition.
Non-convulsive status epilepticus may present as confusion, behavioural disturbances and psychiatric conditions. We present the case of a 17-year-old man who had episodes of non-convulsive status epilepticus as his only manifestation of epilepsy which was mis-diagnosed as a psychiatric condition for over 10 years. He has had almost complete resolution of his symptoms with the introduction of carbamazepine. Non-convulsive status epilepticus is probably commoner than previously thought, and should be considered as a possible diagnosis in all patients presenting with prolonged episodes of altered consciousness even without other manifestations of epilepsy.
Walker
M C
MC
National Society for Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, London, England.
Cockerell
O C
OC
Sander
J W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine