[Status epilepticus with aphasic manifestation]

Aphasia as the sole manifestation of focal status epilepticus in adult is rarely described. Such a case is reported here. Two separate episodes were studied: 1) prolonged mixed aphasia with continuous epileptic patterns; 2) Epileptic aphasia organized in shortly spaced temporal seizures marked by total suspension of speech, paraphasic utterances characterizing the interictal period. The clinical and EEG criteria and nosographic situation of this syndrome are reviewed. We conclude that epileptic aphasia exists if a fixed and lasting epileptic condition is created, even if a post-ictal phenomenon accounts for the symptomatology.