Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
09:57
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Ambulatory non-convulsive status epilepticus evolving into a malignant form.
José L Fernández-Torre1, Peter W Kaplan, Mariano Rebollo
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, "Marqués de Valdecilla" University Hospital, Santander, Cantabria, Spain. ftorrenfc@hotmail.com
Summary
Malignant non-convulsive status epilepticus (mNCSE) is a severe condition, often linked to encephalitis or epilepsy. While mortality is high, some patients experience good recovery, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) can evolve into a severe malignant form (mNCSE).
- mNCSE is defined by its persistence or recurrence despite general anesthesia for five or more days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with malignant non-convulsive status epilepticus (mNCSE).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a case series.
- Inclusion of clinical data, EEG, MRI, antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Six patients (4 women, 2 men; mean age 42.8 years) were studied.
- Four patients died; two had good recovery, one developing temporal lobe epilepsy.
- Encephalitis was the cause in four patients; presentations included complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) and generalized NCSE (GNCSE).
- Mean mNCSE duration was 47.5 days, with heterogeneous EEG patterns observed.
- Patients received an average of 6.0 AEDs.
Conclusions:
- mNCSE is a severe epileptic condition associated with high mortality, often occurring in patients with encephalitis or pre-existing epilepsy.
- Both CPSE and GNCSE forms can occur.
- Despite the severity, some patients may achieve a normal or good recovery.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:25Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction
DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...