Epilepsy in Systemic Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article addresses the occurrence of acute symptomatic seizures in the setting of many medical illnesses. RECENT FINDINGS: Many medical illnesses can cause seizures. Metabolic derangements, such as disorders of serum glucose metabolism or renal or hepatic failures can cause seizures, as well as some medications in therapeutic or toxic dosage. SUMMARY: Acute symptomatic seizures occur most often in illnesses that directly injure the brain. Trauma, stroke, CNS tumors, and CNS infection very commonly cause seizures. However, many medical illnesses do not directly injure the brain but lead to neurologic signs and symptoms, such as seizures. Recognizing these effects, especially in critically ill patients,and appropriate treatment is important for optimizing medical care.