title: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus manifesting as pure alexia (alexia without agraphia).
abstract: Pure alexia is a rare disorder usually caused by an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. We describe a case of pure alexia due to nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). This 57-year-old man presented in a hyperosmolar, nonketotic state with fluctuations in mental status and an inability to read. His EEG was diagnostic of NCSE originating from the left temporo-occipital region. MRI of the brain revealed increased FLAIR signal over the left occipitotemporal region. Following initiation of antiepileptic treatment, his neurological examination normalized concomitantly with resolution of the NCSE. A follow-up MRI scan of the brain obtained 1 month later was normal. NCSE can have unusual clinical manifestations, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to correctly diagnose these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. ekutluay@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ekrem
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kutluay
authors.forename: Burak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pakoz
authors.forename: Alper
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yuksel
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beydoun
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011932:Reading; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin