Toxic "ictal" confusion in middle age: treatment with benzodiazepines.

In adult and elderly non-epileptic subjects psychoactive drugs may cause an altered state of consciousness and repetitive irritative EEG discharges. The neurotoxic pathogenesis of this drug-induced confusion and the differentiation from absence status are discussed. Dramatic relief by intravenous benzodiazepines is detailed. Recovery is complete and prognosis is excellent on withdrawal of the offending drug.