Misdiagnosis of complex absence seizures
E. L. So, D. W. King and A. J. Murvin
Video-EEG monitoring disclosed absence seizures in five patients who were
treated for partial seizures. Analysis of the historical and video data
showed the presence of several potentially misleading ictal manifestations
as follows: unidirectional head and/or eye turning, symmetric clonic
activity, urinary incontinence, loss of balance causing injuries, focal
clonic activity, and de novo automatisms. Without EEG correlation, complex
absence seizures may be difficult to differentiate from other types of
seizures. When correctly diagnosed, appropriate therapy may improve seizure
control.
