[Pseudoperiodic EEG heralding a cefepime-induced encephalopathy].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiology

Background:

• Toxic and metabolic encephalopathies are significant causes of altered mental status.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) is a key diagnostic modality for evaluating brain dysfunction.

Observation:

• A specific EEG finding, the pseudo-periodic pattern, is associated with various brain pathologies.
• This pattern can manifest in cases of mental confusion and encephalopathy.

Findings:

• Cefepime-induced encephalopathy is a critical consideration, particularly in patients with renal failure.
• The pseudo-periodic EEG pattern observed in cefepime encephalopathy is reversible upon drug discontinuation.

Implications:

• Early recognition of cefepime encephalopathy through EEG can prevent prolonged neurological impairment.
• This highlights the importance of considering drug-induced encephalopathies in differential diagnosis for altered mental status.