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Dementia with non-convulsive seizures: a case report
Yu-Shiue Chen1, Tsang-Shan Chen2, Chin-Wei Huang1
1Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|December 21, 2021
Summary
Non-convulsive seizures (NCSs) are treatable but often misdiagnosed in dementia patients. Early diagnosis and antiepileptic drug treatment can improve cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Epileptology
Background:
- Non-convulsive seizures (NCSs) present with varied symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Detecting NCSs in patients with dementia is particularly challenging due to overlapping clinical features.
Observation:
- A case of NCS superimposed on Alzheimer's dementia is presented.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) with sphenoidal electrodes revealed epileptiform discharges and focal slow wave activity, indicating an epileptic origin for cognitive decline.
Findings:
- The patient's cognitive functioning improved following treatment with antiepileptic drugs.
- Accurate NCS diagnosis requires detailed history, neurological examination, and EEG.
Implications:
- NCS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment, even in dementia patients.
- Early antiepileptic drug therapy is crucial for reversing NCS and preventing neurological sequelae.
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