Nonconvulsive status epilepticus manifesting as bradyphrenia: A case report

Abstract

Generalised convulsive status epilepticus continues to be a medical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. The patient with convulsive status epilepticus has continuous or rapidly repeating seizures. In contrast, symptoms in nonconvulsive status epilepticus are often more subtle which frequently delays the diagnosis. This case describes a 27 year-old man who presented after a first seizure and only displayed symptoms of slight bradyphrenia. An electroencephalogram revealed a generalised status epilepticus. As nonconvulsive status epilepticus may clinically display only subtle symptoms a high index of suspicion is needed to initiate electroencephalographic studies. © 2009 Weisfelt and van den Wijngaard; licensee Cases Network Ltd.