Management of Status Epilepticus and Indications for Inpatient Electroencephalography Monitoring

Abstract

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurologic emergency requiring immediate time-sensitive treatment to minimize neuronal injury and systemic complications. Minimizing time to administration of first- and second-line therapy is necessary to optimize the chances of successful seizure termination in generalized convulsive SE (GCSE). The approach to refractory and superrefractory GCSE is less well defined. Multiple agents with differing complementary actions that facilitate seizure termination are recommended. Nonconvulsive SE (NCSE) has a wide range of presentations and approaches to treatment. Continuous electroencephalography is critical to the management of both GCSE and NCSE, while its use for patients without seizure continues to expand.

Keywords: Continuous EEG; Convulsive; Non-convulsive; Refractory; Status epilepticus.