Status epilepticus as presenting manifestation of H1N1 infection

Abstract

Background During the global H1N1 pandemic, neurological complications were reported in approximately 6–10% of children suffering from H1N1 infection, but only rarely in adults. Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) as a presenting manifestation of H1N1 infection in an adult is exceedingly rare and has not been reported in literature. We report a patient who presented to us with GCSE as a presenting manifestation of H1N1 infection who improved following appropriate antiviral treatment.

Methods and results This 20-year-old gentleman presented to us with history of fever followed by GCSE of 24 h duration. He was treated symptomatically and was evaluated in detail. He was diagnosed to be suffering from H1N1 infection based on appropriate serological tests. After start of antiviral therapy, he improved and is doing well at 4 months follow up.

Conclusion This case report further expands the spectrum of clinical findings associated with sporadic H1N1 infection. A possibility of H1N1 infection should be considered in all patients who present with GCSE without any obvious cause so that appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment can be carried out at the earliest.

Keywords

H1N1 - Status epilepticus - Seizures

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