[Confusional states of epileptic origin. Value of emergency EEG]

Fifty-two patients having suffered 60 episodes of non convulsive Status Epilepticus (SE) proven by electroencephalography between 1976 and 1986 are reported. According to electroclinical criteria, these SE were classified into three groups: Petit Mal Status (PM St), Psychomotor Status (Ps M St) and Frontal Polar Status (F St). The exact diagnosis could not be accurately established by the clinical examination alone. It required the analysis of the ictal EEG. However, some clinical signs might suggest the correct diagnosis. Thus, a fluctuating confusional state associated with myoclonus suggested a PM St. A state of confusion with alteration of the emotional sphere evoked especially a Ps M St. A confusional state associated with behavioural disorders of euphoric type and to programmation difficulties was seen mainly in F St.