Complex partial status epilepticus of frontal lobe origin.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus may be subdivided into generalized (absence) status and complex partial status. The latter is generally considered as a rare condition, whereas the former is fairly common to have been reported in many articles. We have reported here a case of complex partial status epilepticus in which the seizure origin was thought to be located in the frontal but not temporal lobe. After looking over the relevant literatures we commented that the incidence of complex partial status of extratemporal origin does not seem to be as rare as it has been believed to be. The main reason for this is the frequency with which it is misdiagnosed. The diagnostic errors are due to a failure to recognize the epileptic cause of the attacks or to appreciate localizing the clinical seizure characteristics and misleading scalp EEG findings. By making a closer observation of clinical manifestations, the likelihood that a correct diagnosis can be made will be increased.