Abstracts

Rationale: Seizures are a common complication among patients with brain cancers. We aimed to ascertain the demographic, clinical, EEG, radiographic features associated with status epilepticus in patients with metastases to the brain as well as potential prognostic implications. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 19 patients with metastases to the brain who subsequently developed status epilepticus. Results: Of the patients who developed status epilepticus, only 36.8% had a prior history of seizures. Status epilepticus most commonly occurred in the setting of a new structural injury to the brain such as new metastases, increase in size of metastases or hemorrhage. 57.9% of patients had either refractory or super-refractory status epilepticus. While, focal non-convulsive status epilepticus was the most common subtype which occurred in 42.1% of patients. In all patients, status epilepticus was successfully terminated, however it lasted over 24 hours in nearly one-quarter. 31.6% of patients died within 30 days of the onset of status epilepticus. Conclusions: Status epilepticus was associated with poor outcomes as nearly one-third was deceased within 30-days of onset. Nevertheless, no patients died during status epilepticus. Thus, status epilepticus may be indicative of an overall poor clinical status among patients with brain metastases. In addition, the majority of patients who developed status epilepticus did not have a prior history of seizures and given that non-convulsive status epilepticus was relatively common a high index is warrented. Funding: No funding