Nonconvulsive generalised status epilepticus following electroconvulsive therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of nonconvulsive generalised status epilepticus (NGS) following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).


METHODS
A 40-year-old woman suffering from a major depressive episode was treated with ECT following treatment with clonazepam, haloperidol and paroxetine. After her fifth treatment she became acutely confused. An electroencephalogram (EEG) at the time was consistent with NGS.


RESULTS
Initially intravenous diazepam and phenytoin were administered with an improvement in both her mental state and EEG. An oral anticonvulsant was continued.


CONCLUSIONS
NGS is a rare though treatable cause of confusional states following ECT and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Srzich
A
A
Auckland Regional Psychiatric Registrar Training Centre, Westmere, New Zealand. kasrzich@ihug.co.nz
Turbott
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants