Recurrent Status Epilepticus and SARS-CoV-2 infection: the "perfect storm".

ABSTRACT

Respiratory involvement is the most common clinical manifestation of COVID-19, but neurological symptoms and complications are increasingly being recognized. Seizures and status epilepticus (SE) have been described as possible consequences of hypoxia and metabolic derangements during SARS-CoV-2 infection, direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, or as para or post-infectious complications. Single episodes of SE have been described, occurring during the acute phase of COVID-19 or once the patients have been recovered. Herein, we present the case of a patient with a positive serology test for SARS-CoV-2 (IgG+, IgM-) and recurrent SE occurring within 36 days. Diagnostic work-up ruled out other known causes of SE. A post-COVID-19 infectious inflammatory/immune response is hypothesized as the possible trigger of SE.