Isoflurane in the management of status epilepticus after surgery for lesion around the motor area

Abstract

When conventional treatment for status epilepticus fails, general anaesthesia is recommended. We present our experience with isoflurane, an inhalational anaesthetic, in the management of four patients with status epilepticus which occurred soon after surgery for motor area lesion. The seizures were controlled with relatively small concentrations of isoflurane. Hypotension, the only adverse effect of isoflurane, was managed easily with the use of dopamine in physiological saline. Although status epilepticus occurring soon after surgery is transient, it carries a risk of persistent brain damage if active treatment is not instituted promptly. Isoflurane general anaesthesia may be recommended to control it in the intensive neurosurgical care.