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Complex partial status epilepticus in a child
D F Silva1, E Zanoteli, M M Lima
1Disciplina de Neurologia, Setor de Eletrencefalografia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil.
Insights
Complex partial status epilepticus (SE) is rare in children. This case report details a 14-year-old treated successfully for complex partial SE, likely due to non-adherence to medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Complex partial seizures (CPS) are a common epilepsy syndrome in children.
- Status epilepticus (SE) is a rare but serious complication of epilepsy.
- Complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) is exceptionally uncommon in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old female with a history of CPS since age 10 presented with CPSE.
- The patient's CPSE was presumed to be linked to treatment non-adherence.
- Neurological examination and CT scan results were unremarkable.
Findings:
- The patient received intravenous diazepam and phenytoin for the CPSE.
- Seizure freedom was achieved within 5 minutes of treatment initiation.
- Ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed right temporal spikes and slow waves.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of treatment adherence in pediatric epilepsy management.
- Prompt recognition and treatment of CPSE are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding the EEG characteristics of CPSE aids in diagnosis and localization.
Abstract:
Complex partial status epilepticus (SE) has been reported rarely in children. We describe the clinical case of a 14 year-old girl with complex partial seizures (CPS) since age 10 who developed a complex partial SE probably because she was not adherent to treatment. The neurologic examination and computed tomography scan were normal. During the SE she received diazepam and phenytoin and became free of the seizures after 5 minutes. The ictal EEG showed spikes and slow waves over the right temporal region.