status epilepticus
Pronunciation: STAY-tus ep-i-LEP-ti-cus
Medical emergency characterized by prolonged seizure activity lasting more than five minutes or recurrent seizures without recovery.
Full Definition
Status epilepticus is a neurological emergency defined as continuous seizure activity lasting 5 minutes or longer, or recurrent seizures without return to baseline consciousness between episodes. This condition represents a failure of the normal mechanisms that terminate seizures and can result in permanent neurological damage or death if not promptly treated. Status epilepticus can be convulsive (with obvious motor manifestations) or non-convulsive (detected only by EEG). The condition requires immediate medical intervention with intravenous antiepileptic medications and continuous EEG monitoring to assess treatment response.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, Latin origin; duration criteria have evolved; distinguish convulsive from non-convulsive types.
In Context
- "The patient was admitted with convulsive status epilepticus requiring intubation." — Emergency medicine report
- "Non-convulsive status epilepticus was diagnosed through continuous EEG monitoring." — ICU consultation