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Published in: Neurocritical Care 2/2010

01-04-2010 | Original Article

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Case Series

Authors: Hooman Kamel, Susannah Brock Cornes, Manu Hegde, Stephen E. Hall, S. Andrew Josephson

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Background

Status epilepticus refractory to conventional anti-epileptic drugs typically has a poor prognosis, but patients may recover well if seizures can be stopped. Case reports suggest that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may stop seizures in patients with refractory status epilepticus, and we sought to examine its effectiveness in a series of patients.

Methods

Three consecutive patients with refractory status epilepticus at our institution were treated with ECT after other therapies had failed.

Results

ECT stopped seizures in 2 of 3 patients. One patient had complete neurological recovery; the other was left with mild cognitive impairment and epilepsy, but returned to independent living.

Conclusion

ECT may be an effective therapy for refractory status epilepticus and warrants further study for this indication.
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Metadata
Title
Electroconvulsive Therapy for Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Case Series
Authors
Hooman Kamel
Susannah Brock Cornes
Manu Hegde
Stephen E. Hall
S. Andrew Josephson
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9288-7

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