[An unusual case of status epilepticus of simple partial seizure with an occipital lobe focus].

A 45-year-old man developed generalized convulsion and consciousness disturbance at age 43. An X-ray CT revealed hemorrhagic infarction in the left fronto-parieto-temporal area. A conventional angiography disclosed complete occlusion of the left cortical vein. In the chronic stage of the stroke, he had incomplete right quadrantopsia, a mild right hemiparesis and sensory aphasia. The patient has had partial somatosensory seizures since February 1990. Ictal EEG recordings showed epileptogenic discharges in the left parietal region. The seizures were adequately controlled with clonazepam. Since July 27, 1993, he has become aware of blurred vision in both eyes accompanied with headache and dizziness. On August 6, he was admitted to the hospital with right homonymons hemianopsia, sensory aphsia and tonic seizures in the right hand. Ictal EEG recordings demonstrated theta waves of the left parieto-occipital region and epileptogenic discharges in the left occipital region which consisted of spikes, sharp waves and spike-wave complexes. Single photon emission computed tomography (SEPCT) images obtained during seizures showed considerable hyperperfusion in the left occipital temporal lobes, while there was hypoperfusion in the left temporo-parietal area corresponding to the lesion of the old cerebral infarction. A T2-weighted MRI scan showed an abnormal high-intensity area in the left occipital lobe that suggested brain edema. After the admission, the patient was treated with additional anticonvulsant drugs. The tonic seizures in the right hand disappeared and right homonymous hemianopsia and sensory aphasia showed gradual improvement in the next four weeks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)