Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: the diagnostic dilemma.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) represents a diagnostic dilemma, and so far several different definitions and diagnostic criteria have been proposed in the literature order to address and try to solve the diagnostic problems related to this condition. NCSE is practically diagnosed as an enduring epileptic condition with reduced or altered consciousness, but without major convulsive movements together with epileptiform discharges on EEG. The diagnosis of NCSE is therefore electro-clinical, and diagnostic criteria for this epileptic condition should take into account both clinical and EEG features. Based on a comprehensive search of the literature, this brief review critically appraises the electro-clinical diagnostic criteria for NCSE present in the Literature, with particular emphasis on EEG features encountered in NCSE