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Epileptic Seizures Superimposed on Catatonic Stupor
Author(s) -
Suzuki Kazumasa,
Miura Nobuyoshi,
Awata Shuichi,
Ebina Yukio,
Takano Takehisa,
Honda Tomoko,
Shindo Tsuyoshi,
Matsuoka Hiroo
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00528.x
Subject(s) - stupor , catatonia , status epilepticus , electroconvulsive therapy , medicine , epilepsy , anesthesia , ictal , coma (optics) , psychiatry , pediatrics , psychology , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , physics , electroconvulsive shock , optics , vomiting
Summary: Purpose: Some patients with nonconvulsive status epilepticus are known to exhibit catatonic stupor. Thus it is necessary to rule out ictal catatonia by electroencephalography in patients with catatonic stupor. However, few reports are available on epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor. Methods: We report three cases of epileptic seizures superimposed on psychiatric catatonic stupor without a prominent predisposing factor, including high fever or encephalitis. None of the patients had a personal or family history of neurologic disease, including epilepsy. Results: In all three patients, catatonic stupor persisted after resolution of the epileptic seizures with administration of phenytoin. In two of the three patients, catatonic stupor resolved with electroconvulsive therapy, which caused no marked adverse effects. Conclusions: Because it is possible that catatonic stupor itself predisposes patients to the development of epileptic seizures, electroencephalographic examinations in patients with catatonic stupor are indispensable for early recognition not only of nonconvulsive status epilepticus but also of epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor. Electroconvulsive therapy deserves consideration when catatonic stupor persists after resolution of epileptic seizures.