Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in a Palliative Care Unit: When Delirium Is a Seizure

We present a case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), which multiple reports have shown to be a rarely contemplated cause of impaired consciousness. A concise review of NCSE follows, with emphasis on conditions that present similarly, precipitating factors, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, and prognostic implications. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is a reversible cause of altered consciousness, particularly when recognized promptly. In a palliative care unit, treatment should ultimately be guided by the patient’s goals of care.

Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - February 11, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Samala, R. V., Parala-Metz, A., Davis, M. P. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research