acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion

Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is a rare childhood-onset epilepsy syndrome that is often associated with infection. It begins with a prolonged febrile seizure on the first day, and patients may show varying levels of consciousness from normal to coma with no initial MRI abnormalities in the first 2 days. In the following days (usually days 4-6), there is a cluster of seizures and a decrease in the level of consciousness. MRI scans at this time reveal brain lesions, most notably in the subcortical white matter. As patients recover from this second phase, they may develop focal neurological signs. The long-term outcomes can range from normal neurological function to varying degrees of cerebral damage including cerebral atrophy, mental retardation, paralysis, and ongoing epilepsy.

People with this condition initially experience a prolonged febrile seizure followed by varied consciousness levels, which can range from normal to coma. A second phase of the illness includes a cluster of seizures along with further deterioration of consciousness and later, the emergence of focal neurological signs.

AESD is associated with infections and febrile events in childhood, though the precise causes are not fully understood. The condition appears to be linked to a severe reaction during infections, leading to a two-phase seizure pattern.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

The outlook for individuals with AESD varies widely. Some may recover with normal neurological function, while others can experience mild to severe outcomes, including cerebral atrophy, cognitive impairments, paralysis, and chronic epilepsy.

Information about research is currently limited for this condition.