title: Myoclonic status epilepticus in six patients without epilepsy.
abstract: Myoclonic status epilepticus (MSE) is defined as prolonged period of myoclonic jerks that are correlated with epileptiform discharges on EEG. We here describe clinical features and video-EEG records of six adult patients with MSE who did not have a prior diagnosis of epilepsy. In four out of six patients, MSE was precipitated by drugs. Two out of four patients had chronic renal disease and received beta lactam group antibiotics. Two other patients, who described chronic pain, developed MSE while taking pregabalin. One patient who had dementia and family history of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) developed MSE one month after quetiapine was introduced. Another patient, who had a recent ischemic stroke, developed MSE due to an unknown reason. In these last two patients, an immediate triggering factor was not evident. Myoclonic status epilepticus ceased in five out of six patients after withdrawal of the drugs and/or intravenous antiepileptic treatment. Myoclonic status epilepticus is a rare event in patients without epilepsy. A correct diagnosis and prompt drug discontinuation may reverse this severe and life-threatening condition.
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Leyla
authors: L
authors: Baysal Kirac
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Ibrahim
authors: I
authors: Aydogdu
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Ahmet
authors: A
authors: Acarer
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Sezin
authors: S
authors: Alpaydin
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Fatma Ece
authors: FE
authors: Bayam
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Habibe
authors: H
authors: Onbasi
authors: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Fikret
authors: F
authors: Bademkiran
keywords: Myoclonic status epilepticus; Photosensitivity; Pregabalin; Renal failure