# Severe status epilepticus induced by shunt malfunction: A case report

**Authors:** Mohammadreza Moznebiisfahani, Navid Askariardehjani

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42918 · Heliyon · 2025-02-21

## TL;DR

A 31-year-old man developed seizures due to a malfunctioning shunt catheter in his brain, highlighting the need for careful surgical monitoring.

## Contribution

This case report documents seizures caused by stimulation from a shunt catheter, a previously unreported complication.

## Key findings

- Seizures occurred due to a shunt catheter remaining in the ventricle.
- Accidental surgical events can lead to neurological complications requiring timely intervention.

## Abstract

Focal impaired awareness seizures are a common neurological disorder characterized by abnormal electrical activity in a specific brain region, resulting in impaired consciousness and neurological symptoms. Treatment options for patients may include antiepileptic medications, lifestyle modifications, or, in some cases, surgical intervention aimed at resecting the area of the brain responsible for seizure generation. Shunt malfunction can lead to seizures in cases of hydrocephalus; however, seizures triggered by stimulation of a specific brain area by the shunt catheter post-placement have not been reported.

This case provides a compelling example of a seizure triggered by the stimulation of a foreign body in the ventricle. The patient is a 31-year-old man who suffered seizures due to the proximal catheter remaining in the ventricle.

In general, accidental events during surgery should be carefully investigated and taken into consideration. And if necessary, timely intervention should be done to eliminate possible complications.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hydrocephalus (MONDO:0001150)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** seizure (MESH:D012640), impaired consciousness (MESH:D003244), hydrocephalus (MESH:D006849), impaired awareness seizures (MESH:D058926), status epilepticus (MESH:D013226), neurological disorder (MESH:D009461)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11894296/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11894296/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11894296