[Concentration problem or epilepsy? Sudden changes in behaviour in adolescents]. / Concentratiestoornis of epilepsie? Adolescenten met plotselinge gedragsveranderingen.

Sudden changes in behaviour and concentration problems can be caused by non-convulsive status epilepticus. This generalised form of epilepsy can be easily missed as a diagnosis. In this case report series we describe three adolescent boys (13, 14 and 17 years old respectively) presenting with behavioural disturbances caused by idiopathic non-convulsive status epilepticus. The diagnosis was confirmed by electroencephalography (EEG). The medical history mentioned previous episodes of changes in behaviour in all patients. The 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is questionable whether this diagnosis was justified, or whether his behavioural problems were caused by non-convulsive epileptic seizures. Non-convulsive status epilepticus is characterised by diminished cognitive functioning in an otherwise reactive patient. Testing of memory and other cognitive functions is essential for diagnosis. All children with behavioural problems should undergo a thorough neurological assessment by a paediatrician or neurologist in order to recognise non-convulsive epilepsy.