The two survival cases of alpha-pattern coma caused by large amounts of hypnotica and neuroleptica.

The EEGs of two men (42 and 63 years old) in coma who took large amounts of hypnotica and neuroleptica for intended suicides were occupied by an alpha pattern, and the patients were diagnosed as alpha-pattern coma. The prominent pattern in their EEGs changed from an alpha pattern to a theta pattern, and subsequently into an alpha pattern of low amplitude. The patients recovered without any residual neurological symptoms. It has been confirmed by our two cases, as well as by other reported cases, that the outcome of the alpha-pattern coma caused by drug poisoning is favorable. It is concluded that a longitudinal EEG recording should be performed as early as possible when the patient is in a comatose state.