Aphasic Status Epilepticus as a Stroke Mimic: A Literature Review
Abstract
We reviewed the clinical features of previously reported cases of aphasic status epilepticus. In an analysis of medical information from 87 reported cases (92 attacks), the types of aphasia associated with aphasic status epilepticus were global aphasia in 44 (48%) of 92 attacks, motor aphasia in 29 (32%), and sensory aphasia in 11 (12%) attacks. The findings of diffusion and perfusion imaging, as well as electroencephalography, were often compatible with aphasia, although variations in the distribution and findings were observed in several cases. Furthermore, in 16 (32%) of 67 attacks, it took more than 1 week from the onset of the aphasic status epilepticus to treatment; therefore, the sequelae of aphasia were observed in 18 (20%) of 92 attacks. Aphasic status epilepticus should be considered a stroke mimic and it may cause sequelae due to delayed treatment. Patients suspected of having aphasic status epilepticus should be immediately treated with benzodiazepine without waiting for either electroencephalography or perfusion imaging.
Related
- Developments in the Treatment of Status Epilepticus in Adults: What Is Established, What Is New and What Is on the Horizon?
- Status Epilepticus as the Initial Manifestation of Follicular Lymphoma with Leptomeningeal Dissemination
- Status Epilepticus in Children: Clinical Features, Management, and Outcomes in a Single-Center Experience
- Cenobamate in super-refractory status epilepticus: current evidence from a patient-level synthesis
- Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus (SRSE) Secondary to Neurosyphilis Complicated by a Prolonged Drug-Induced Cardiac Arrest Successfully Bridged With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Impella®: A Case Report.
BibTeX
@article{inatomi2026aphasic,
title = {{Aphasic Status Epilepticus as a Stroke Mimic: A Literature Review}},
author = {Yuichiro Inatomi and Makoto Nakajima and Toshiro Yonehara},
journal = {Internal Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.2169/internalmedicine.7824-26},
url = {https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine/advpub/0/advpub_7824-26/_article},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Aphasic Status Epilepticus as a Stroke Mimic: A Literature Review
AU - Yuichiro Inatomi
AU - Makoto Nakajima
AU - Toshiro Yonehara
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/22
JO - Internal Medicine
DO - 10.2169/internalmedicine.7824-26
UR - https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine/advpub/0/advpub_7824-26/_article
AB - We reviewed the clinical features of previously reported cases of aphasic status epilepticus. In an analysis of medical information from 87 reported cases (92 attacks), the types of aphasia associated with aphasic status epilepticus were global aphasia in 44 (48%) of 92 attacks, motor aphasia in 29 (32%), and sensory aphasia in 11 (12%) attacks. The findings of diffusion and perfusion imaging, as well as electroencephalography, were often compatible with aphasia, although variations in the distribution and findings were observed in several cases. Furthermore, in 16 (32%) of 67 attacks, it took more than 1 week from the onset of the aphasic status epilepticus to treatment; therefore, the sequelae of aphasia were observed in 18 (20%) of 92 attacks. Aphasic status epilepticus should be considered a stroke mimic and it may cause sequelae due to delayed treatment. Patients suspected of having aphasic status epilepticus should be immediately treated with benzodiazepine without waiting for either electroencephalography or perfusion imaging.
SN - 1349-7235
SN - 0918-2918
ER -