Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, successfully treated a 71-year-old woman who had remained almost unresponsive for over 45 days due to a rare neurological condition. After receiving specialised neurocritical care, she regained speech, awareness, and mobility.
The team diagnosed her with non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) — a continuous seizure state without visible convulsions. Because this condition lacks dramatic physical symptoms, doctors often find it difficult to detect. However, if left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Gradual Neurological Decline and Diagnostic Uncertainty
For several months, the patient had experienced a steady neurological decline. She developed slowed movements, tremors, and progressive loss of speech. Initially, doctors considered multiple diagnoses, including Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Consequently, they modified her treatment several times. Nevertheless, her condition failed to improve.
As her symptoms worsened, her family sought advanced neurological care in Mumbai.
Acute Episodes and Rapid Deterioration
Shortly after arriving in Mumbai, the patient began experiencing repeated brief episodes. During these events, her eyes deviated to one side, her right arm stiffened, and she became momentarily frozen. Doctors admitted her to another hospital and started anti-epileptic medication. However, her responsiveness continued to decline.
Given the worsening situation, her family urgently shifted her to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Diagnosis of Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus
Upon arrival, the neurology team quickly identified that she was in non-convulsive status epilepticus. Although her body appeared calm, her brain remained in continuous seizure activity. At that point, she showed almost no purposeful movement or meaningful speech.
Dr. Prashant Makhija, Consultant Neurologist, explained that NCSE presents unique challenges because it does not cause obvious convulsions. As a result, delayed recognition can lead to serious and permanent brain damage.
Repeated electroencephalogram (EEG) tests confirmed persistent abnormal electrical activity, predominantly on the left side of her brain. Furthermore, a detailed review of her medical history revealed that she had both epilepsy and Parkinsonism. Earlier fragmented care had prevented optimal management of these coexisting conditions.
Intensive Neurocritical Care and Close Monitoring
As per the press release, the neurology team promptly optimised her anti-epileptic medications and carefully adjusted therapy for Parkinson’s disease. At the same time, they placed her under continuous neurological monitoring.
For several weeks, visible improvement remained minimal. Nevertheless, the medical team continued sustained multidisciplinary care while her family stayed by her side throughout the prolonged and uncertain recovery period.
Gradual and Remarkable Recovery
After nearly 45 days, the first encouraging signs appeared. The patient began opening her eyes purposefully and responding to verbal cues. Gradually, she started communicating with doctors and caregivers. Soon after, she even resumed singing her prayers — something she had been unable to do for weeks.
Her cognitive function steadily improved. With physiotherapy and rehabilitation, she regained enough strength to stand and take a few assisted steps. Additionally, her sleep cycle normalised, and her speech and interaction returned.
Dr. Makhija described witnessing her recovery after such a prolonged silent seizure state as remarkable. He emphasised that the case highlights the critical importance of timely diagnosis and specialised neurocritical care in managing complex seizure disorders.
Successful Discharge and Hope for Families
Doctors discharged the patient fully alert, communicative, and responsive. Her family plans to return home after a short stay in Mumbai.
Overall, this case underscores Wockhardt Hospitals’ expertise in managing rare neurological emergencies. Through precise diagnosis, sustained multidisciplinary care, and advanced neurocritical support, the hospital delivered a positive outcome in a situation where recovery often remains uncertain.