Complex partial status epilepticus

Complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) is one of the non-convulsive forms of status epilepticus, a rare form of epilepsy defined by its recurrent nature. CPSE is characterized by seizures involving long-lasting stupor, staring and unresponsiveness.[1] Sometimes this is accompanied by motor automatisms, such as eye twitching.[2]

Complex partial status epilepticus
SpecialtyNeurology

Diagnosis

As is the case with other non-convulsive status epilepticus forms, CPSE is dangerously underdiagnosed.[3] This is due to the potentially fatal yet veiled nature of the symptoms. Usually, an electroencephalogram, or EEG, is needed to confirm a neurologist's suspicions. The EEG is also needed to differentiate between absence status epilepticus (which affects the entire brain), and CPSE, which only affects one region.[4]

Treatment

Treatment is in the form of anti-epileptic drugs, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines and topiramate.

References
  1. neuro/114 at eMedicine
  2. Fernández-Torre JL, Gutiérrez-Pérez R, Velasco-Zarzosa M (2003). "Non-convulsive status epilepticus". Revista de Neurología (in Spanish). 37 (8): 744–52. PMID 14593634.
  3. Murthy JM (1 October 2003). "Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: An under diagnosed and potentially treatable condition". Neurology India. 51 (4): 453–4. PMID 14742920.
  4. Husain AM, Horn GJ, Jacobson MP (2003). "Non-convulsive status epilepticus: usefulness of clinical features in selecting patients for urgent EEG". J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry. 74 (2): 189–91. doi:10.1136/jnnp.74.2.189. PMC 1738268. PMID 12531946.
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