Complex partial status epilepticus explained

Complex partial status epilepticus
Field:	Neurology

Complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) is one of the non-convulsive forms of status epilepticus, a rare form of epilepsy defined by its recurrent nature. CPSE is characterized by seizures involving long-lasting stupor, staring and unresponsiveness. Sometimes this is accompanied by motor automatisms, such as eye twitching.^[1]

Diagnosis

As is the case with other non-convulsive status epilepticus forms, CPSE is dangerously underdiagnosed.^[2] This is due to the potentially fatal yet veiled nature of the symptoms. Usually, an electroencephalogram, or EEG, is needed to confirm a neurologist's suspicions. The EEG is also needed to differentiate between absence status epilepticus (which affects the entire brain), and CPSE, which only affects one region.^[3]

Treatment

Treatment is in the form of anti-epileptic drugs, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines and topiramate.

Notes and References

1. Fernández-Torre JL, Gutiérrez-Pérez R, Velasco-Zarzosa M . Non-convulsive status epilepticus . es. Revista de Neurología . 37 . 8 . 744–52 . 2003 . 14593634 .
2. Murthy JM . Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: An under diagnosed and potentially treatable condition . Neurology India . 51 . 4 . 453–4 . 1 October 2003. 14742920 .
3. Husain AM, Horn GJ, Jacobson MP . Non-convulsive status epilepticus: usefulness of clinical features in selecting patients for urgent EEG . J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry . 74 . 2 . 189–91 . 2003 . 12531946 . 10.1136/jnnp.74.2.189. 1738268.