Grand Rounds: An Update on Convulsive Status Epilepticus.
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Status epilepticus (SE) is the term used to describe an abnormally prolonged state of self-perpetuating and evolving seizure activity, specifically defined by time, as a 5 minute seizure or an episode of briefer seizures with reduced recovery of awareness in between seizures1.
SE can be convulsive or non-convulsive in type. Non-convulsive seizures represent states of various levels of altered awareness, associated with electroencephalographic (EEG) seizure activity, but without outwardly observable convulsive activity2. An important feature of convulsive seizures is their potential for evolution into non-convulsive seizures, where the patient can appear “post ictal” but is having electrical seizures, without obvious convulsive activity3. Other types of status epilepticus include simple partial status (with preserved awareness), complex partial status (with impaired consciousness) and myoclonic status (often associated with coma)4.
Records from antiquity describe SE, but it has only been in the last century that there have been major advances in its understanding and treatment5. Many significant questions remain about the pathophysiology and management of this medical emergency which carries a substantial morbidity and mortality. This paper will present the current understanding of SE, identifying gaps in our knowledge. The evidence base for the pharmacological management of SE will be reviewed.
Source: PubMed
Authors: Michael Kinney, John Craig
Institutions: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Royal Victoria Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W929219102