[Prolonged absence states in aged patients without epileptic antecedents]

Eight cases of [absence status] are reported, occurring in old patients (7 females, 1 male), mean age 75 years, without any known history of epilepsy. The main clinical feature was a fluctuating state of consciousness, during which the EEG showed diffuse spikes and polyspikes with a frontal predominance. These abnormalities disappeared after intravenous benzodiazepine administration, resulting in most cases in a spectacular clinical improvement. Five of our patients had a depressive history and were taking antidepressive or psychotropic drugs. Hyponatremia or hypokalemia probably secondary to diuretic medications, was present in 4 cases. No recurrence occurred with or without long-term anti-epileptic medication.