Subacute Encephalopathy with Seizures in Alcoholism (SESA) Syndrome

Description

Subacute Encephalopathy with Seizures in Alcoholism (SESA) Syndrome is a rare and potentially reversible neurologic disorder that is seen in alcoholics.

Clinical features:

(1) chronic alcoholic

(2) recurrent seizure activity (focal, generalized, status epilepticus)

(3) confusion, lethargy and/or delirium

(4) reversible neurological deficits (hemiparesis, hemianopia, etc)

Marked abnormalities are seen in the EEG, such as focal slowing, spikes, periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs).

Differential diagnosis:

(1) alcohol withdrawal seizures

(2) seizures secondary to head injury

(3) other alcohol-related CNS disease

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10