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Neuropediatrics 1993; 24(6): 343-345
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1071570
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Blind, Deaf and Mute After a Status Epilepticus Caused by Hyperpyrexia from Shigellosis - A Case Report with a Four-Year Follow-Up

H. R. van Dongen1 , M. C. B. Loonen1 , D. J. Heersema1 , R.  de Groot2
  • 1Department of Child Neurology, Academic Hospital Rotterdam Dijkzigt/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Paediatrics, Academic Hospital Rotterdam Dijkzigt/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

A nearly four-year-old boy awoke blind, deaf and mute from a coma of five days duration after a status epilepticus caused by hyperpyrexia from shigellosis. The authors give a detailed report of the recovery. Visual and auditory functions recovered within six months after the onset but expressive language difficulties remained. Following a discussion of the underlying mechanisms producing the cerebral damage, the hypothesis of a type of "disconnection syndrome" is put forward to explain the persisting language deficit.

Key words

Central blindness - Central deafness - Aphasia - Shigellosis - Status epilepticus