UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Neurology

Title: Status Epilepticus

Keywords: status epilepticus, seizure (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/13/2008 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 4/20/2024)
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  • Exact definitions of status epilepticus vary. 
  • Generally speaking, status epilepticus is defined as a single unremitting seizure that lasts longer than 5 to 10 minutes OR greater than one generalized clinical seizure with no interictal return to clinical baseline.
  • While treatment with phenytoin and diazepam is often used for status, studies have shown that lorazepam use alone is more effective.