Aetiology of status epilepticus in Ibadan: a neuropathologic study
Ogunniyi, A.; Ogunniyi, J.O.; Bademosi, O.; Osuntokun, B.O.; Adeuja, A.O.
West African Journal of Medicine 11(4): 263-267
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0189-160X PMID: 1304789 Document Number: 392145
In this neuropathologic study of 41 cases diagnosed as status epilepticus (SE) over a 10-year period at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), we found that the commonest cause was infection of the central nervous system (17 cases). The other aetiologic factors were: metabolic derrangement/toxic (14 cases) and cerebrovascular disease which was the most frequent cause in subjects above 12 years of age. It was encountered in 6 cases. Space occupying lesions which involved the frontal lobes were found in 4 cases. The conditions associated with the disease at death were: cerebral oedema, pulmonary oedema; pulmonary consolidation and pulmonary embolism. Our findings highlight the importance of looking for treatable conditions in patients presenting with this grave condition in this environment.