Fellow University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, Illinois
This abstract has been invited to present during the Better Patient Outcomes through Diversity Platform poster session
Rationale: Neurological manifestations are increasingly associated with COVID-19. However, an association of seizures with COVID-19 has not been established. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of epileptiform activity and assess the risk of seizures in patients with COVID-19. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from 32 consecutive non-epileptic patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent EEG studies between March 1, 2020 and May 27, 2020.Data were extracted about demographics, clinical history, neuroimaging and EEG features. Results: The mean age was 61.9 ± 17.8 years (mean ± SD, range: 18 to 91). Eighteen patients were male and 14 were female. Acute symptomatic seizures were observed clinically in four (12.5%) patients. Normal EEG background frequency (8-10Hz) was observed in six (18.8%) patients. Diffuse slowing of EEG background was observed in 26 (81.3%) patients. Ictal-interictal continuum (IIC) patterns were observed in 8 (25%) patients. Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were observed in six (18.8%) patients, and electrographic seizures were observed in three (9.4%) patients. Two patients progressed to status epilepticus. In one patient, brain MRI showed extensive areas of T2/Flair hyperintensity with minimal diffusion restriction, suggestive of encephalitis. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that there is a substantial risk for acute symptomatic seizures in patients with COVID-19.Although the seizure etiologies are likely heterogeneous, encephalitis might be contributory. Funding: Please list any funding that was received in support of this abstract.: n/a Click here to view image/table
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