status epilipticus

Question 1

define status epipticus

Answer 1

generalised tonic-clonic convulsion lasting more than 30 minutes OR
repeated tonic-clonic convulsions over a 30 minute period without recovery of consciousness between each convulsion

Question 2

management of status epilipticis

Answer 2

assess A-D
airway assessment, high flow oxygen
check and correct blood glucose
obtain IV/IO access if longer than 5 minutes and give administer 1st line anticonvulsant

Question 3

causes of SE

Answer 3

prolonged febrile convulsion
epilepsy
central nervous system infection (eg. meningitis)
trauma
metabolic
poisons

Question 4

history

Answer 4

impairment/loss of conscousness
motor effects, muscular contractions
parts of the body affected
focal tonic/clonic seizure
length
multiple clusters of seizure activity

Question 5

examination

Answer 5

full systems examination and neurological examination

Question 6

investigations

Answer 6

always do a BGL
venous blood gas
consider infectious screen, anti-epileptic drug levels