'Phantom' typical absences, absence status and experiential phenomena

Seizure. 1993 Sep;2(3):253-6. doi: 10.1016/s1059-1311(05)80135-9.

Abstract

We present a case of mild typical absences (phantom absences) culminating in absence status and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The patient has recorded his experience during an episode of absence status and provides a rare insight into a mind temporarily clouded by whirling thoughts and muffled responses. This case is important as it demonstrates the pitfalls which may hinder the diagnosis of this unusual condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Awareness / physiology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Consciousness Disorders / diagnosis
  • Consciousness Disorders / physiopathology
  • Consciousness Disorders / psychology
  • Dominance, Cerebral / physiology
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy, Absence / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Absence / physiopathology*
  • Epilepsy, Absence / psychology
  • Epilepsy, Complex Partial / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Complex Partial / physiopathology
  • Epilepsy, Complex Partial / psychology
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / physiopathology*
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / psychology
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sick Role
  • Status Epilepticus / diagnosis
  • Status Epilepticus / physiopathology*
  • Status Epilepticus / psychology