Korean J Anesthesiol.  2021 Dec;74(6):541-545. 10.4097/kja.20527.

Non-convulsive status epilepticus in the immediate postoperative period following spine surgery -a case report-

• Kim KO
• Lee T
• Kim T

• KMID: 2522642
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kja.20527

Abstract

Background
Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), in which continuous epileptiform dis-charges occur without seizure-like movement, is rare and unfamiliar to anesthesiologists, both of which make this condition overlooked in patients with decreased levels of consciousness following general anesthesia. Case: We report on an elderly female patient who developed NCSE in the immediate postoperative period after the spine surgery. Initially, delayed emergence from anesthesia was suspected, but the electroencephalogram confirmed NCSE, and anticonvulsant therapy was initiated.
Conclusions
Delayed emergence is commonly attributed to cerebrovascular events or residual anes-thetic effects, but NCSE must be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in elderly pa-tients. Anticonvulsant therapy should be initiated as soon as possible for a better prognosis.

Keyword

General anesthesia; Non-convulsive status epilepticus; Post anesthesia care unit