status epilepticus
Pronunciation: STAT-us ep-i-LEP-ti-kus
Also written as: SE — status epilepticus
A prolonged seizure or series of seizures lasting more than 30 minutes without recovery of consciousness, representing a neurological emergency.
Full Definition
Status epilepticus is a life-threatening neurological emergency characterized by prolonged seizure activity or repeated seizures without recovery of consciousness between episodes, traditionally defined as lasting more than 30 minutes (recently updated to 5 minutes for practical purposes). This condition can be convulsive or non-convulsive and represents a failure of the normal mechanisms that terminate seizures. Prolonged seizure activity leads to neuronal injury through excitotoxicity, hyperthermia, and metabolic derangements. Status epilepticus requires immediate medical intervention with antiepileptic medications and supportive care to prevent permanent brain damage or death.
Usage
Usage note: Medical emergency; recent definition updated to 5 minutes for treatment purposes.
In Context
- "The patient was admitted to the ICU for management of refractory status epilepticus requiring continuous EEG monitoring." — Hospital admission note
- "Non-convulsive status epilepticus was diagnosed after EEG revealed continuous ictal activity despite normal behavior." — Neurology consultation