Clin Med
-
The incidence of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is seen to be relatively rare, ie about two per million inhabitants per year. Five studies on the prevalence of INPH in elderly patients, from three countries, have been published between 1985 and 2009.1-5 Prevalence ranged from 0.41% to 2.94% (mean 0.8%), ie slightly less than one per 100 based on samples ranging from 170 to 982 subjects. ⋯ Attempts to identify all patients with INPH overlook many cases. INPH is actually a very common disease and its prevalence increases with age.
-
This lesson describes a patient who had a cardiac arrest during an episode of status epilepticus provoked by a first fit. This is an exceptional sequence of events and should lead to investigation for an underlying cause. Unsuspected cocaine abuse is common and may provoke prolonged status epilepticus, particularly if there is a low seizure threshold. A toxic screen should be undertaken in all patients presenting with unexplained status epilepticus even if abuse of illicit substances is denied.