Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency defined as a seizure lasting >5 minutes, or recurrent seizures without return to baseline consciousness between them. Generalized convulsive status is life-threatening (hypoxia, acidosis, hyperthermia, brain injury). Treatment: secure airway, give oxygen, IV benzodiazepine first-line, then load with antiepileptic (fosphenytoin/valproate/levetiracetam), ICU monitoring, identify and treat the cause; refractory cases need anesthetic agents.

Common Symptoms

Prolonged convulsions; recurrent seizures without recovery; altered consciousness; cyanosis; medical emergency

Causes and Pathogenesis

Prolonged abnormal neuronal discharge from medication nonadherence/stroke/infection/metabolic/toxic causes.

Treatment

Airway/oxygen; IV benzodiazepine; antiepileptic loading; ICU; treat cause; anesthetic agents if refractory

Preventive Measures

AED adherence; treat precipitating cause; seizure first-aid education.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.