Atypical absence status epilepticus

What it means

Atypical absence status epilepticus is a type of generalized non-convulsive status epilepticus without coma that is semiologically a prolonged atypical absence seizure.

In comparison to a typical absence seizure, changes in tone may be more pronounced, onset and/or cessation may be less abrupt, and the duration of the ictus and post-ictal recovery may be longer. Although not always available, an EEG often demonstrates slow (<3 Hz), irregular, generalized spike-wave activity. This form of seizure may be observed in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Rare diseases that can present with this6

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Obtundation status