Efficacy of potassium bromide in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy: a case of new-onset refractory status epilepticus

Abstract

A 40-year-old man presented with a series of generalized tonic–clonic seizures after febrile illness. He developed status epilepticus and required mechanical ventilation with anesthetics. Steroid pulse, intravenous immunoglobulin, and immunoadsorption therapy were administrated, and the status epilepticus improved; however, drug-resistant seizures remained. Despite the use of several antiepileptic drugs, seizures frequently occurred. Additional administration of potassium bromide resulted in significant suppression of seizures. Potassium bromide is regarded as an effective medication for pediatric refractory epilepsy after encephalitis. The present case is considered to be new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) syndrome based on clinical features, and potassium bromide could be effective in treating adult refractory epilepsy, such as NORSE syndrome.