Seizure heralding functional recovery in a patient with apallic syndrome: A case report with retrospective-prospective observation

Samir Al-Adawi*, David T. Burke, Sara E. Mastronardi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that there exists a close relationship between seizure discharges and functional recovery from brain injury, and that paroxysmal bombardment in late seizures may herald functional recovery or may "kick-start" recovery. Case report: We report the case of a 52-year-old patient who, following a subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple surgeries, experienced discernible apallic syndrome of long duration. His hospitalization is well documented. The patient underwent protracted, intense rehabilitation, but he remained in this prolonged state of loss of consciousness and behavioral passivity until he experienced a series of periodic seizures. Widespread improvement in his cognitive and functional abilities coincided closely with the seizure activity. The literature on this topic is reviewed. Conclusion: This case confirms the close relationship between seizure discharges and functional recovery reported in preclinical literature.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)776-780
Number of pages5
JournalEpilepsy and Behavior
Volume8
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Apallic syndrome
  • Case report
  • Functional recovery
  • Seizure
  • Stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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