Diagnosis and management of status epilepticus: improving the status quo

Abstract

Status epilepticus is a common neurological emergency that is characterised by prolonged or recurrent seizures without recovery between episodes and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and targeted therapy can reduce the risk of complications and death associated with status epilepticus, thereby improving outcomes. The most recent International League Against Epilepsy definition considers two important timepoints in status epilepticus: first, when the seizure does not self-terminate; and second, when the seizure can have long-term consequences, including neuronal injury. Recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of status epilepticus indicate that changes in neurotransmission as status epilepticus progresses can increase excitatory seizure-facilitating and decrease inhibitory seizure-terminating mechanisms at a cellular level. Effective clinical management requires rapid initiation of supportive measures, assessment of the cause of the seizure, and first-line treatment with benzodiazepines. If status epilepticus continues, management should entail second-line and third-line treatment agents, supportive EEG monitoring, and admission to an intensive care unit. Future research to study early seizure detection, rescue protocols and medications, rapid treatment escalation, and integration of fundamental scientific and clinical evidence into clinical practice could shorten seizure duration and reduce associated complications. Furthermore, improved recognition, education, and treatment in patients who are at risk might help to prevent status epilepticus, particularly for patients living in low-income and middle-income countries.