Non-convulsive status epilepticus is defined as a sudden change of behaviour or cognitive functions which is definitely different from the previous mental state and persists for at least 30 minutes, showing epileptic (paroxysmal) signs on the EEG. The classical clinical characteristic of non-convulsive status epilepticus is a sudden change of behaviour, cognitive functions or various qualitative or quantitative changes of consciousness and therefore these symptoms are often diagnosed as psychogenic and patients are hospitalised in other than neurological departments. We have chosen this topic because the erroneous diagnosis and inadequate treatment have a clinical relevant influence on the patient’s prognosis as demonstrated in our case-report.

        Key words: status epilepticus, non-convulsive status epilepticus, EEG.