Advanced
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Status epilepticus
Prolonged seizure or series of seizures without recovery between episodes.
Full Definition
Status epilepticus constitutes a neurological emergency defined as continuous seizure activity lasting longer than five minutes or recurrent seizures without return to baseline consciousness. This condition can be convulsive or non-convulsive, with the latter often requiring EEG diagnosis. Medical editors must understand that status epilepticus requires different documentation standards due to its emergent nature, treatment protocols, and potential for significant morbidity and mortality.
Usage
Usage note: Always italicize when writing the Latin term. Distinguish convulsive from non-convulsive types.
In Context
- "The patient developed convulsive status epilepticus requiring intensive care management." — Emergency medicine consultation
- "Non-convulsive status epilepticus was diagnosed on continuous EEG monitoring." — Critical care progress note
Don't confuse with
prolonged seizure
seizure cluster