Clinical Spectrum and EEG Findings in Patients with Suspected Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus

This study looked at the clinical spectrum as well as EEG results to help diagnose and treat patients with probable non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Patients were classified into two groups based on the degree of NCSE: mild to moderate and severe and their medical records revealed evidence of epilepsy in the form of rhythmic delta activity and localized slowing or widespread spike-and-wave (WSW) discharges in EEG. Severe NCSE was associated with increased antiepileptic drug use (90 vs 80%), longer treatment duration (10 vs 7days), and higher critical care unit admissions (40vs25%) (p<0.05). EEG data showed a significant increase in the frequency of generalized spike-and-wave discharges (45 vs 30%) and localized slowing (32vs20%) (p<0.05). Furthermore, these patients' neurological recovery was worse and they remained in the hospital longer. Finally, the severity of the NCSE and poor clinical outcomes were substantially linked to specific EEG patterns, especially localized slowing and WSW discharges.