Complex partial status epilepticus: report of one case.

Complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) has rarely been reported in children. We experienced a 5-year-old girl having had an abrupt onset of complex partial seizure with a fluctuating state of consciousness and aphasia. Electroencephalogram revealed repetitive epileptiform discharges originating from bilateral temporal and parieto-occipital regions over the background of diffuse continuous slow activity. Computerized tomography of the brain showed mild atrophy without focal lesions. All the other studies including bacteriology, virology, toxicology and metabolic screening were unremarkable. Intravenous administration of diazepam was ineffective for recovery of consciousness level and cease of seizure activity. A lasting control of the status was not achieved until intravenous phenytoin and oral carbamazepine were added for one more weeks. Paroxysmal attacks of periodic apnea with subsequent hyperpneic movements occurred the fourth month after the onset of illness. She regained language on rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, the patient had recurrence four months later despite medication. Finally, she died of aspiration pneumonia and status epilepticus eleven months after the onset of the disease. Compared with the other previously documented cases of prolonged complex partial status epilepticus, this case is notable for its unusual, complicated and severe symptomatology and long duration (three more months) with poor prognosis.