Bilateral Tonic Seizures vs. Bilateral Tonic Events in Critically ill Patients: Differences in Semiology

The differential diagnosis of non-epileptic tonic events (NTEs) often includes epileptic tonic seizures (ETS), and is a common reason to order an electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging. Not infrequently, NTEs can be misinterpreted as seizures [1]. Most severe NTEs in critically ill patients are often related to decerebrate or decorticate rigidity in the setting of increased intracranial pressure or a direct result of brainstem injury [2,3]. Differentiating epileptic seizures from movements mimicking seizures and establishing a correct diagnosis can result in significant changes in treatment [4].

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