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Focal Status Epilepticus

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Status Epilepticus

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

Focal status epilepticus (FSE) is a condition in which there is an anatomically discrete, continuously discharging epileptic disturbance, lasting more than 1 h (1), that is associated with a definable neurologic behavior. If that discrete and sustained discharge occurs in the temporal lobe or limbic region of the brain, the condition is referred to as nonconvulsive complex partial status epilepticus (discussed in Chapter 10). If the discharge is ongoing in systems that subserve language function, an aphasia may result (see Chapter 11). This chapter will deal with the disorders and conditions associated with FSE arising from other regions of the brain. This condition can be associated with a wide variety of neurologic disorders and have a multitude of signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms vary according to the function of the brain area engaged by the discharge and can be as simple as a repetitive movement, as seen in epilepsia partialis continua (EPC), or as subtle as an inability to write to command (see case example).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Neurophysiology Lab, Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

    Donald L. Schomer MD

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  1. Donald L. Schomer MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard Medical School, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts

    Frank W. Drislane MD (Associate Professor of Neurology) (Associate Professor of Neurology)

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© 2005 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Schomer, D.L. (2005). Focal Status Epilepticus. In: Drislane, F.W. (eds) Status Epilepticus. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-945-1:143

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-945-1:143

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-355-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-945-5

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