Treating status epilepticus in adults

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2024 Mar 11;144(4). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.23.0782. Print 2024 Mar 19.
[Article in English, Norwegian]

Abstract

This clinical review examines the treatment of status epilepticus, a condition in which epileptic seizures are prolonged and pose a significant risk of brain damage and death. International guidelines recommend the use of benzodiazepines as first-line treatment, and these should be administered promptly and in appropriate doses. Second-line treatment involves the use of high-dose anti-seizure medications to stop and prevent seizures. If seizure activity persists, general anaesthesia should be administered as soon as possible. All neurological hospital departments should have established and rehearsed protocols for treating status epilepticus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Epilepsy* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Status Epilepticus* / drug therapy
  • Status Epilepticus* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Benzodiazepines