What is status epilepticus?

A patient who has continuous seizures or does not recover between recurrent seizures that are "so frequently repeated or so prolonged as to create a fixed and lasting condition" is considered to have status epilepticus (SE). Clinical and experimental data indicate that seizure activity for 30 minutes is a reasonable criterion for use of the term, at least for recurrent seizures, because brain damage is likely to occur at this point. Aggressive treatment should start much sooner, however.

Are there different types?

Just as there are many types of epileptic seizures, there are many forms of SE. Until the last few decades the term has been applied primarily to generalized convulsive seizures. The simplest classification is convulsive versus nonconvulsive, but a description of syndromes based on generalized or partial (focal) onset of seizures provides more insight into pathophysiology and clinical management. Table: Types of SE

Adapted from: Drislane FW. Status epilepticus. In: Schachter SC, Schomer DL, eds. The comprehensive evaluation and treatment of epilepsy. San Diego, CA: Academic Press; 1997. p. 149-172.
With permission from Elsevier (www.elsevier.com)
Reviewed and revised January 2004 by Thaddeus Walczak, MD, MINCEP® Epilepsy Care, Minneapolis, MN