[Diagnosing Status Epilepticus]

Abstract

Both diffusion-weighted MRI(DWI)modalities and continuous electroencephalography(cEEG)are useful for diagnosing status epilepticus. In case 1, DWI showed hyperintense regions in the right-sided parieto-occipital cortex during peri-ictal status. Intensity of the regions normalized after left hemiparesis improved. In status epilepticus , DWI usually depicts some hyperintense regions, such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamic pulvinar, where ictal brain activity and its propagation are likely occur the seizure. In case 2, cEEG led to an accurate diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus due to right-sided temporal contusion. Intravenous application of levetiracetam and lacosamide alleviated the clinical symptoms and electrographic seizures. Abnormal cEEG findings during status epilepticus vary from rhythmic delta activity and epileptiform and generalized periodic discharges to ictal discharges. Accurate diagnosis of status epilepticus using MRI and cEEG can offer earlier intervention, such as prompt administration of benzodiazepines, midazolam, lorazepam, ultimately resulting in a good recovery.