Status

Status epilepticus is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a prolonged seizure or a series of seizures without a return to normal consciousness in between. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Definition

According to the International League Against Epilepsy, status epilepticus is defined as a seizure that lasts for more than five minutes, or two or more seizures within a five-minute period without the person returning to normal in between.

Causes

Status epilepticus can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• A missed dose of antiepileptic drugs
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Infection
• Traumatic brain injury
• Metabolic disorders
• Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Symptoms

The symptoms of status epilepticus can vary depending on the type of seizure. They may include:

• Continuous or rapid-fire seizure activity
• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle spasms
• Eye movement or staring

Treatment

The treatment for status epilepticus is aimed at stopping the seizure as quickly as possible to prevent further brain damage. This usually involves the use of emergency medications, followed by long-term antiepileptic drugs to prevent future seizures.

Prognosis

The prognosis for status epilepticus depends on the underlying cause, the person's age, and their overall health. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.

See also

• Epilepsy
• Seizure types
• Neurological disorders

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