Focal seizures and systemic metabolic disorders

Repetitive focal seizures were associated with hyperglycemia in three patients, and with hypoxia in another patient. Autopsy in one case and computed tomography (CT) scans in two patients failed to reveal relevant focal cerebral disease. Awareness of the occurrence of focal seizures in metabolic disorders, especially non-ketotic hyperglycemia, should be increased as early recognition is vital for successful treatment. Metabolic encephalopathies can cause focal seizures with or without underlying focal cerebral pathology.