[Complex focal seizures as a cause of long-term paranoid psychoses in advanced age]

Many organic diseases of the brain--including intoxications, inflammatory or neoplastic disorders--can cause acute psychosis. Even if the psychotic symptoms last for several years, the possibility of an organic cause should be borne in mind. We report the case of a patient with a paranoid disorder for two years before admission. The EEG showed generalized 1-2 Hz spike and wave complexes. These epileptic activities--and also the paranoid symptoms--ceased completely after administration of an antiepileptic medication.