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Case Reports
. 2005;9(6):R725-8.
doi: 10.1186/cc3884. Epub 2005 Oct 27.

Prolonged refractory status epilepticus following acute traumatic brain injury: a case report of excellent neurological recovery

Adam D Peets  1 , Luc R Berthiaume, Sean M Bagshaw, Paolo Federico, Christopher J Doig, David A Zygun
Affiliations
Case Reports

Prolonged refractory status epilepticus following acute traumatic brain injury: a case report of excellent neurological recovery

Adam D Peets et al. Crit Care. 2005.

Abstract

Introduction: Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be under-recognized and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods: This case report describes a 20 year old previously healthy woman who suffered a severe TBI as a result of a motor vehicle collision and subsequently developed RSE. Pharmacological coma, physiological support and continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) were undertaken.

Results: Following 25 days of pharmacological coma, electrographic and clinical seizures subsided and the patient has made an excellent cognitive recovery.

Conclusion: With early identification, aggressive physiological support, appropriate monitoring, including cEEG, and an adequate length of treatment, young trauma patients with no previous seizure history and limited structural damage to the brain can have excellent neurological recovery from prolonged RSE.

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