Non-convulsive status epilepticus after abrupt withdrawal of hypnotic-sedative drugs

Four patients with severe addiction to sedative-hypnotics and with acute withdrawal symptoms of these drugs are described. They developed latent confusional states with characteristic EEG patterns (bilateral slow and sharp waves of high amplitude). Following small doses of benzodiazepines the EEG became normal together with a reduction in the clinical symptoms. It is suggested that the confusional states were of an epileptic nature.