Abstract
Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) has a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients and their families due to the various behavioral and psychological changes resulting from impaired consciousness. Herein, we report a case in which psychological factors modified the symptoms during NCSE and led to a change in the treatment strategy. The patient was a woman in her late 30s with intractable epilepsy who had been diagnosed with frontal NCSE. Six months prior to admission to our hospital, she began to have impaired consciousness for 2 days during a 10-day cycle and intermittent excitation with gross motor symptoms. A long-term video-EEG (LVEEG) showed decreased reactivity, generalized muscle tension, and motor symptoms in the upper arms while NCSE was recorded. However, the symptoms disappeared after saline administration, without improvement in the EEG findings. After discharge from the hospital, outpatient treatment focusing on psychological issues and medication adjustment was continued and resulted in QOL improvement. To provide comprehensive support to patients, it is important to evaluate psychological and life aspects, even in those who have already been diagnosed with intractable epilepsy.
