Coma with Abnormal Movements and Prolonged Cognitive Disturbances: A New Subset of Acute Encephalopathy

Abstract

We describe two children who presented with an acute encephalopathy preceded by a prodromal illness. The disease was marked by an active phase of coma or confusion with abnormal motor movements, followed by a recovery phase with a rapid return of motor function and a gradual improvement in speech and social behavior. No cause was found. These may be additional representative cases of a new syndrome of encephalopathy which is characterized by a distinctive course and a relatively good prognosis.

Key words

Abnormal movements - Cognitive disturbances - Coma - Encephalopathy - Syndrome