Subacute Encephalopathy With Seizures in Alcoholics (SESA) Presenting as Focal Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus

Purpose. To acquaint readers with the underrecognized subacute encephalopathy with seizures in chronic alcoholics (SESA) that has more recently been associated with different types of status epilepticus. Methods. Case reports and review of the literature on SESA and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Results. Two cases: one with alternating bifrontoparietal NCSE, and one with focal, confusional NCSE, with imaging and EEG correlates. Conclusion. Underrecognized SESA may present as NCSE with focal clinical, EEG and reversible diffusion-weighted MRI abnormalities, warranting expedited diagnosis and antiseizure treatment to minimize morbidity.