Status Epilepticus
See also:
Seizures
What is it?
Status epilepticus is a serious seizure disorder in
which seizures do not stop. A seizure is a sudden
disruption of the brain's normal electrical activity,
which can cause a loss of consciousness and make the body
twitch and jerk. This condition is a medical emergency.
Who gets it?
Status epilepticus can occur in anyone with epilepsy.
It occurs more often in children who have an underlying
neurologic disorder or disease.
What causes it?
Status epilepticus is most often caused by not taking
anticonvulsant medication as prescribed. It can also be
caused by an underlying condition, such as meningitis,
sepsis, encephalitis, brain tumor, head trauma, extremely
high fever, low glucose levels, or exposure to toxins.
What are the symptoms?
The characteristic symptom of status epilepticus is
seizures occurring so frequently that they appear to be
one continuous seizure. These seizures include severe
muscle contractions and difficulty breathing. Permanent
damage can occur to the brain and heart if treatment is
not immediate.
How is it diagnosed?
Status epilepticus is diagnosed according to its
characteristic symptoms. The doctor will order tests to
look for the cause of the seizures. These may include
blood tests, an electrocardiogram to check for an abnormal
heart rhythm; an electroencephalogram (EEG) to check
electrical activity in the brain, and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to check
for brain tumors or signs of damage to the brain tissue.
What is the treatment?
A person having a seizure should never be restrained. A
child with status epilepticus should be taken to the
hospital immediately. There, medical personnel will
stabilize the child with intravenous (IV) anticonvulsant
drugs and fluids. Other medications may be given
intravenously to stabilize the child until the seizures
stop. The child may need a tube inserted through his or
her nose or throat to maintain a good airway for
breathing, and he or she may also need to receive oxygen.
General anesthesia may be needed if status epilepticus
resists treatment. The outlook for recovery in children is
better than in adults.
Self-care tips
If your child has been diagnosed with epilepsy, make
sure he or she takes the medication as prescribed by your
doctor. Status epilepticus in a child who has not been
diagnosed with epilepsy may be the first sign of epilepsy,
or may be a sign of some other underlying condition. It is
important to seek treatment immediately.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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