[Grand mal series and status using high-dose theophylline medication].

We report on two female patients, aged 22 and 50 receiving high-dose theophylline, 750-1,500 mg/day, for bronchial asthma, who were admitted to hospital with severe grand-mal seizures, in one primary focal with secondary generalisation. Extensive neurophysiological and neuroradiological diagnostic evaluation revealed no evidence of cerebral lesions, and there was no history of epilepsy. The probable pathogenesis is the high-dose theophylline, which is known to be neurotoxic, in one case enhanced by additional beta-sympathomimetics.