title: Is Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) undertreated in patients affected by dementia?
abstract: A 80-year-old woman with a history of severe degenerative dementia, with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), COPD and hypertension, was admitted to our hospital (Geriatric Unit, University Hospital of Parma) for an acute change in her cognitive status, with stupor status. The clinical question was: "What is the cause of this rapid worsening of cognitive and mental condition in a demented patient?" A diagnosis of Non-Convulsive Status Epilecticus (NCSE), defined by behavioral or cognitive changes from a patient's baseline state of functioning, with seizure activity on EEG, should be considered when patients with severe dementia are admitted to hospital. It is sufficient for the diagnosis of NCSE to be suspected and not strictly confirmed to start preliminary treatment with an antiepileptic drug.
authors: Geriatric Unit and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy. flauretani@ao.pr.it
authors: Fulvio
authors: F
authors: Lauretani
authors: Marcello
authors: M
authors: Maggio
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Nardelli
authors: Marsilio
authors: M
authors: Saccavini
authors: Gian Paolo
authors: GP
authors: Ceda
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003693:Delirium / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003700:Delta Rhythm; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013826:Theta Rhythm