Abstracts

RATIONALE: Status Epilepticus (SE) is classified according to the seizure type, consciousness level of the patient and electroencephalographic (EEG) features on admission. The diagnostic criteria and the classification of SE is still controversial. In this study, we discussed the classification of SE according to the clinical findings and EEG features. METHODS: Between 1995-2000, 54 patients (36 female, 18 male; mean age 53) were evaluated with the diagnosis of SE. All patients were assessed by clinical history, neurologic examination and EEG. RESULTS: In this study, we assessed the classification of 62 SE cases (5 patients have more than one episode of SE) with 12.8 hours mean time of admission. Four patients (6.4%) were classified as generalized CSE of which two of them myoclonic SE; 1.6% as generalized absence SE; 16.1% as partial motor SE; 17.7% as complex partial SE; 25.8% as subtle SE; 4,8% as partial SE; 27,4% as EEGSE. In our patient group subtle and EEG SE were the most frequently seen subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: During the description of patients presenting with SE not only the seizure type but also the clinical and EEG findings on admission are important and they must be concerned in the classification of SE.