Paradoxic response to diazepam in complex partial status epilepticus
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Published on: November 8, 2018
1Division of Neurology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Antiepileptics including benzodiazepines have long been recognized to provoke seizures and precipitate status epilepticus occasionally. This has a special clinical importance in the case of diazepam because of its use as first choice medication in its management. This report is intended to highlight the clinical importance of such a situation.
Methods:
The clinical course of a 28-year old man with complex partial status, which lasted for two months, is described in detail.
Results:
Paradoxic response to diazepam was documented under EEG monitoring. A similar response was also noted for midazolam, and had probably contributed in exacerbating and prolonging the duration of status.
Conclusion:
Paradoxic response to diazepam and midazolam is rare, but may be under-recognized. It should be considered in the setting of refractory status epilepticus.
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