Status Epilepticus

Question 1

Define status epilepticus

Answer 1

Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or more than 3 seizures in one hour

Medical emergency

Question 2

Status epilepticus management

in hospital

Answer 2

ABCDE approach:

Secure the airway

Give high-concentration oxygen

Assess cardiac and respiratory function

Check blood glucose levels

Gain intravenous access (insert a cannula)

IVlorazepam4mg, repeated after 10 minutes if the seizure continues

If seizures persist: IVphenobarbitalorphenytoin

If no response (‘refractory status’) within 45 minutes from onset, then the best way to achieve rapid control of seizure activity is induction of general anaesthesia

Question 3

Status epilepticus management

community

Answer 3

Buccal midazolam

Rectal diazepam

Question 4

Complications of status epilepticus

Answer 4

Irreversible brain damage after prolonged period of seizure activity