Overreliance on EEG Normalization: A Case Report of DEE-SWAS Treated as Presumed NCSE Leading to Avoidable Escalation - Summary - MDSpire

Overreliance on EEG Normalization: A Case Report of DEE-SWAS Treated as Presumed NCSE Leading to Avoidable Escalation

  • By

  • Wu, Jie

  • Deng, Jie

  • Xu, Manting

  • Huang, Liyi

  • Zhao, Guangyuan

  • May 6, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To highlight the misdiagnosis of DEE-SWAS as NCSE and the serious consequences of unnecessary treatment intensification, including complications and impaired neurological function.

Key Findings:
  • The patient was misdiagnosed with NCSE based on EEG findings, leading to inappropriate treatment.
  • Anesthesia-induced coma resulted in significant complications, including ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  • Seizures resolved, but ESES persisted on EEG, indicating ongoing neurological issues.
Interpretation:

The case emphasizes the need for careful differentiation between ESES and NCSE, highlighting the risks of relying solely on EEG normalization without considering clinical context.

Limitations:
  • Single case study limits generalizability.
  • Lack of long-term follow-up data on neurological outcomes may obscure the full impact of the intervention.
Conclusion:

The case underscores the importance of rigorous risk-benefit assessments in treatment decisions involving EEG findings.

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