Prolonged refractory status epilepticus following acute traumatic brain injury: a case report of excellent neurological recovery.
BACKGROUND
Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be under-recognized and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
This case report describes a 20 year old previously healthy woman who suffered a severe TBI as a result of a motor vehicle collision and subsequently developed RSE. Pharmacological coma, physiological support and continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) were undertaken.


RESULTS
Following 25 days of pharmacological coma, electrographic and clinical seizures subsided and the patient has made an excellent cognitive recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
With early identification, aggressive physiological support, appropriate monitoring, including cEEG, and an adequate length of treatment, young trauma patients with no previous seizure history and limited structural damage to the brain can have excellent neurological recovery from prolonged RSE.
Peets
Adam D
AD
Department of Critical Care, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. adpeets@ucalgary.ca
Berthiaume
Luc R
LR
Bagshaw
Sean M
SM
Federico
Paolo
P
Doig
Christopher J
CJ
Zygun
David A
DA
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000293:injuries; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000150:complications; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants