Tonic status epilepticus in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
BACKGROUND
Tonic status epilepticus (TSE) in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is not well recognized. The objective of this study is to report episodes of TSE in patients with IGE.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and EEG evaluation of three IGE patients who presented TSE.


RESULTS
The three patients had mainly clinical features of IGE, but had developed, in addition, focal discharges, diffuse EEG abnormalities and some focal or diffuse neuropsychological dysfunction. The tonic attacks eventually responded to treatment, but were not completely controlled in any of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The continuum between IGE and secondary generalized epilepsy is demonstrated in these patients. Most of their clinical and EEG features are however, in keeping with an idiopathic generalized epileptic process with additional focal and diffuse components. Recognition of the significance of TSE in such patients has important therapeutic and prognostic implications. [Published with video sequences].
Kobayashi
Eliane
E
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Thomas
Pierre
P
Andermann
Frederick
F
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000150:complications; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020919:Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic / Q000209:etiology; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants