Artikel
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), a postoperative complication after craniotomy for supratentorial tumors
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Veröffentlicht: | 16. September 2010 |
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Objective: Nonconvulsive Status epilepticus (NCSE) has been described as a devastating complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage as well as in patients with subdural hematomas. In the present study we assessed the incidence and clinical sequelae of NCSE in patients, who underwent a craniotomy due to a supratentorial tumor.
Methods: In a prospective study, done 2007 and 2008, EEGs were recorded postoperatively in all patients with impaired consciousness or neurological deterioration after exclusion of other causes for postoperative coma.
Results: 304 craniotomies were performed in 285 patients with supratentorial tumors. Eight of these patients were suspected to have NCSE. Three (1,05%) of them showed continuous epileptiform discharges in the EEG without clinical signs of seizure activity. All eight patients received anticonvulsant therapy. Two patients died during the hospital stay, two showed a GOS of 2 and four patients a GOS of 3 at discharge.
Conclusions: NCSE is a rare complication after craniotomy for supratentorial tumors. NSCE is associated with extended hospitalization, extended artificial respiration and poor outcome. EEG monitoring should be performed routinely in all cases of otherwise unexplainable postoperative coma.