What is generalized status epilepticus?

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is a medical emergency that may be associated with severe neuronal injury. The mortality attributable to GCSE ranges from 3 to 35%. The disorder occurs most frequently in the young and the old extremes of the population.

Why is thiamine used in status epilepticus?

Thiamine (100 mg) should be given along with the glucose, because glucose infusion increases the risk of Wernicke’s encephalopathy in susceptible patients. After administration of oxygen, blood gas levels should be determined to ensure adequate oxygenation.

How do Emts treat status epilepticus?

Benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) or Versed (midazolam), are the first line treatment for seizures. The earlier a seizure is treated with a benzodiazepine, the more likely it is to terminate [3].

What is subtle status epilepticus?

Subtle SE consists of electrical seizure activity in the brain that endures when the associated motor responses are fragmentary or even absent. The terminology is confusing, since subtle SE is sometimes designated a type of nonconvulsive SE (NCSE).

What triggers status epilepticus?

In children, the main cause of status epilepticus is an infection with a fever. Children with severe, refractory seizure disorders can also have status epilepticus. In adults, the common causes are: Stroke. Imbalance of substances in the blood, such as low blood sugar.

Can status epilepticus be cured?

Complications depend on the underlying cause and can range from no complications to death. If the underlying cause, such as poor epilepsy control, can be fixed, there may no complications. If the underlying cause is a stroke or brain injury, complications may include physical disability from the cause or even death.

How does status epilepticus cause death?

Death or brain damage from status seizures (as opposed to death from the underlying cause) is most likely to result from: Direct damage to the brain caused by the injury that causes the seizures. Stress on the system from repeated generalized tonic clonic seizures. Injury from repeated electrical discharge in the brain …

Do you stop breathing during seizure?

During the tonic phase of the seizure, they may temporarily stop breathing and their face may become dusky or blue, especially around the mouth. This period is usually brief (usually no more than 30 to 45 seconds) and does not require CPR.

What is the most common cause of status epilepticus in adults?

Children with severe, refractory seizure disorders can also have status epilepticus. In adults, the common causes are: Stroke. Imbalance of substances in the blood, such as low blood sugar.

How serious is status epilepticus?

A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or having more than 1 seizure within a 5 minutes period, without returning to a normal level of consciousness between episodes is called status epilepticus. This is a medical emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage or death.

What are the exclusion criteria for status epilepticus?

Status Epilepticus Care Guideline. Inclusion Criteria: Children ≥ 1 month of age who have been seizing for > 5 minutes. (Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure that lasts for > 30 minutes or recurrent seizures without full recovery between seizures for > 30 minutes) Exclusion Criteria: Children < 1 month of age.

Can a person with convulsive status epilepticus die?

This is a medical emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage or death. Status epilepticus is very rare, most people with epilepsy will never have it. This condition is more common in young children and elderly adults. This condition can occur as: Convulsive status epilepticus.

What does status epilepticus ( SE ) mean in medical terms?

Status epilepticus (SE) is considered a neurological emergency. Left untreated (or undertreated), prolonged seizures can cause permanent neurological injury or death.

How to diagnose and treat MGH status epilepticus?

MGH STATUS EPILEPTICUS TREATMENT PROTOCOL DIAGNOSIS OF STATUS EPILEPTICUS: 1) Generalized convulsive status epilepticus Continuous convulsive seizure activity lasting > 5 mins OR, ≥ 2 convulsive seizures without full return to baseline between seizures 2) Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE)