Misdiagnosis of seizures: insulinoma presenting as adult-onset seizure disorder

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004 Aug;75(8):1091-2. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.029249.

Abstract

Once diagnosed with a refractory seizure disorder, patients often receive aggressive and escalating pharmacotherapy. However, a significant proportion of patients referred to neurologists do not have epilepsy. Toxic and metabolic causes of seizures should always be considered as they are potentially curable, and may be fatal if untreated. The following case report highlights the need for careful reassessment of all seizures that are atypical and refractory to medication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulinoma / complications
  • Insulinoma / diagnosis*
  • Insulinoma / surgery
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / etiology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants