Status Epilepticus

Author: Adam Reuben / Editor: Steve Fordham / Reviewer: Joe Schrieber, John Wilson, Mehdi Teeli / Codes: / Published: 05/05/2021 / Reviewed: 30/01/2025

Status epilepticus, a state of prolonged, uncontrolled seizures, is a common emergency department (ED) presentation that is potentially life-threatening. Clinicians need an awareness of the existence and presentations of the different forms.

After completing this session you will be able to:

• Differentiate between the different forms of seizure that constitute status epilepticus (SE)
• List SE classifications
• Describe the aetiology of different forms of SE

References

1. Wylie T, Sandhu DS, Murr NI. Status Epilepticus. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
2. Knake S, Hamer HM, Rosenow F. Status epilepticus: a critical review. Epilepsy Behav. 2009 May;15(1):10-4.
3. Marik PE, Varon J. The management of status epilepticus. Chest. 2004 Aug;126(2):582-91.
4. Bassin S, Smith TL, Bleck TP. Clinical review: status epilepticus. Crit Care. 2002 Apr;6(2):137-42.
5. Walker M. Status epilepticus: an evidence based guide. BMJ. 2005 Sep 24;331(7518):673-7.
6. Chen JW, Wasterlain CG. Status epilepticus: pathophysiology and management in adults. Lancet Neurol. 2006 Mar;5(3):246-56.
7. Sarlo GL, Holton KF. Brain concentrations of glutamate and GABA in human epilepsy: A review. Seizure. 2021 Oct;91:213-227.
8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Epilepsy. CKS, Last revised in November 2024.
9. Patel PR, De Jesus O. Partial Epilepsy. [Updated 2023 Aug 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
10. Varelas PN, Spanaki MV, Hacein-Bey L, Hether T, Terranova B. Emergent EEG: indications and diagnostic yield. Neurology. 2003 Sep 9;61(5):702-4.
11. Rainbow J, Browne GJ, Lam LT. Controlling seizures in the prehospital setting: diazepam or midazolam? J Paediatr Child Health. 2002 Dec;38(6):582-6.
12. Kienitz R, Kay L, Beuchat I, Gelhard S, et al. Benzodiazepines in the Management of Seizures and Status Epilepticus: A Review of Routes of Delivery, Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Tolerability. CNS Drugs. 2022 Sep;36(9):951-975.
13. Patel NC, Landan IR, et al. The use of levetiracetam in refractory status epilepticus. Seizure. 2006 Apr;15(3):137-41.
14. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Epilepsies in children, young people and adults. NICE guideline [NG217], 2022.