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Prolonged coma and severely attenuated EEG after a single seizure
E P Arnoldus1, B R Bloem, J G van Dijk
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Epilepsia
|June 24, 1998
Summary
A single seizure can cause prolonged coma and severe EEG abnormalities, even with normal brain imaging. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- A 63-year-old woman experienced a comatose state post-fall.
- Initial cranial CT and MRI scans revealed no abnormalities.
Observation:
- An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed severe attenuation and slowing.
- Consciousness and EEG patterns improved spontaneously within 24 hours.
Findings:
- Sleep deprivation precipitated a generalized seizure.
- The seizure was followed by a recurrence of coma and abnormal EEG.
- This suggests a single seizure can induce prolonged coma and severe EEG changes.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for seizures to cause prolonged postictal states.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering seizures in unexplained coma, even with normal imaging.
- Suggests EEG monitoring is vital for diagnosing seizure-induced coma.