Non-convulsive status epilepticus induced by acute thalamic lesions: A report of three cases

The thalamocortical network appears to play a pivotal role in ictogenesis. We herein present three cases of non-convulsive status epilepticus (SE), in adult patients without previous history of epilepsy or seizures, precipitated by acute thalamic vascular and metabolic-induced lesions. In all cases the EEG showed patterns consistent with generalized SE confirmed either by a fast and complete clinical and EEG response to anti-seizure medication or definitive subtle motor signs consistent with SE. We argue that the subcortical disruption of thalamocortical networks due to the thalamic lesion predisposed to the occurrence of non-convulsive SE. In patients with thalamic disorders and unexplained mental status changes EEG evaluation should always be considered.