| Complex partial status epilepticus | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Neurology |
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
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
References
- neuro/114 at eMedicine
- 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.
- Murthy JM (1 October 2003). "Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: An under diagnosed and potentially treatable condition". Neurology India. 51 (4): 453–4. PMID 14742920.
- 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.