status epilepticus
Pronunciation: STAY-tus ep-uh-LEP-ti-kus
A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or recurrent seizures without recovery of consciousness between episodes, constituting a medical emergency.
Full Definition
Status epilepticus is a neurological emergency defined as continuous seizure activity lasting more than 5 minutes or recurrent seizures without return to baseline consciousness between episodes. This condition can be convulsive (with obvious motor manifestations) or non-convulsive (with altered consciousness but minimal motor signs). In children, status epilepticus carries significant risk of permanent neurological damage, respiratory compromise, and death if not promptly treated. The condition requires immediate intervention with antiepileptic medications following established protocols to terminate seizure activity and prevent long-term sequelae including hippocampal damage and subsequent epilepsy.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether convulsive or non-convulsive; document duration and response to treatment protocols.
In Context
- "The patient presented in convulsive status epilepticus requiring immediate benzodiazepine administration and airway management." — Emergency medicine documentation