Evaluation and management of status epilepticus in the neurological intensive care unit

Abstract

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common and potentially life-threatening neurologic emergency characterized by prolonged seizures that are the result of primary neurologic disease or secondary to critical illness and medical management. It is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, presentation is subclinical in many cases and requires a high index of suspicion. The authors discuss diagnostic and management schemes for SE in the neurological intensive care unit, emphasizing the importance of reducing the duration of SE through prompt recognition and aggressive treatment protocols.