FREQUENCY OF NONCONVULSIVE SEIZURES AND NONCONVULSIVE STATUS EPILEPTICUS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of nonconvulsive seizures (NCS) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) neuro intensive care unit.

METHODOLOGY: This empirical cross-sectional investigation was conducted from August 27, 2024, to February 26, 2025, at Dr. Ruth K.M Pfau Civil Hospital in Karachi, employing a non-probability consecutive sampling methodology. Individuals of all ages who presented with seizures absent of clinical motor phenomena and those exhibiting diminished levels of consciousness were enrolled and administered anti-seizure pharmacotherapy. A bedside electroencephalogram (EEG) was executed within the initial 24 hours to substantiate the diagnoses of NCS and NCSE. The data were subjected to analysis utilizing SPSS version 26, with statistical significance established at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: In the present investigation, the mean age was noted as 57.25 ± 6.39 years, among them 63.7% males and 36.3% were females. The average duration of hospitalization in the ICU was determined to be 6.53 ± 3.45 days. Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) was identified in 26.3% of the subjects, while non-convulsive seizures (NCS) were observed in 15.0% of the cohort. Electroencephalographic (EEG) findings were deemed normal in 3.8% of patients, whereas various other abnormalities were documented in 55.0% of the cases.

CONCLUSION: This research elucidates the considerable incidence of nonconvulsive seizures (NCS) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) among critically ill patients, underscoring the importance of recognition of subtle signs suggestive of ongoing seizure and the imperative nature of early electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring for their detection. In light of the elevated prevalence of these subclinical seizures, prompt identification and intervention are crucial to enhancing patient outcomes within neuro-intensive care environments. Comprehensive, multicenter investigations are requisite to validate these observations and inform more efficacious clinical protocols.