Confusional states and seizures. When are they related?

Although less often due to seizures than to other conditions, confusional states may be associated with complex partial seizures in adults or absence (petit mal) seizures in younger persons and children. Absence of a metabolic disorder, intoxication, or risk factors for cerebral ischemia increases the probability that seizure caused the confusional state. A computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is essential when the patient is acutely ill or has had several recent confusional episodes. Once a seizure disorder is diagnosed, appropriate drug therapy can be started.