Catatonia in encephalitis and nonconvulsive seizures: a case report and review of the literature

Epilepsy Behav. 2010 Mar;17(3):420-5. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.008. Epub 2010 Feb 13.

Abstract

A 20-year-old woman was admitted for psychosis. On further investigation, she was found to be have viral encephalitis and generalized nonconvulsive seizures. After the seizures were controlled, she remained in a prolonged catatonic state. Repeated intravenous benzodiazepine administration, improved her cognition dramatically. This case emphasizes that catatonia may occur after encephalitis and nonconvulsive seizures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Rhythm
  • Catatonia / etiology*
  • Encephalitis / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Posture / physiology
  • Young Adult