Question 1

could i be conscious during status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Not normally: The definition of status epilepticus from the working group of the epilepsy foundation is " "more than 30 minutes of continuous seizure activity or two or more sequential seizures without full recovery of consciousness between seizures." so there could be consciousness, particularly with non-convulsive status epilepticus, but it wouldn't be the person's normal state.

Question 2

can a person be conscious during status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Not normally: The definition of status epilepticus from the working group of the epilepsy foundation is " "more than 30 minutes of continuous seizure activity or two or more sequential seizures without full recovery of consciousness between seizures." so there could be sone consciousness, for example with non-convulsive status epilepticus, but it wouldn't be close to the person's normal state.

Question 3

what complications are associated with status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Many: If untreated then pt. Can develop accumulation of acid, electrolyte imbalance, injury to muscle cells, aspiration pneumonia, kidney failure, more brain injury etc.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Continuous seizures : Without regaining consciousness between each event.  The most common cause is sudden stopping of anti-epileptic drug, but this can be an event secondary to infection, injury, encephalitis, chemical imbalance in the body, alcoholism.  This is indeed a true medical emergency requiring hospitalization.

Question 5

how are serial seizures and status epilepticus treated?

Accepted Answer

Medicine: Mutiple seizures are usually treated with medications. Other options include surgery  bagel nerve stimulation and kerogen oc diet. Status is an emergency condition of a prolonged seizure and require IV medications.

Question 6

in a neuro-icu, how is status epilepticus treated?

Accepted Answer

Many factors: First identify that it is status epileptics. Look for cause. Treatment has many facets like protecting patient for further damage, airway and oxygenation, normalizing hydration electrolytes, optimizing functions of other organs like liver, kidney, lungs etc. Anticonvulsants, many drugs are used including general anesthesia. Treatment is mostly individualized. Often muscle paralitics are used.

Question 7

if you have had status epilepticus in the past, should you call 911 immediately?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: You see, status is most commonly associated with discontinuation or missing meds, infections, drug-drug interactions, metabolic imbalances (low blood sugars, etc), contact with toxins.  If you are well controlled and faithfully take your meds, one intermittent seizure should not be a major issue.  However, 2 or more events without awakening does require emergency attention.

Question 8

whats is the first line treatment for status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Meds ASAP: Treatment of status epilepticus involves potent sedatives and anti seizure meds in a controlled urgent / emergency room setting. These meds need given intravenously asap.

Question 9

if this is the first time i am having seizures but it lasted more than 30 minutes, is it considered status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

No: Status by definition involves repetitive seizures without regaining awareness or consciousness between events.  Your episode would include the aura, the seizure itself, and a post-ictal sequence, and your 30 min time frame is unlikely to have been continual seizure activity.  However, your first seizure needs attention, and decisions regarding treatment will be needed.

Question 10

why would coma induction be used as a treatment for refractory status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

For brain protection: It is thought that repetitive seizures if not controlled can themselves injure the brain. If the seizures are hard to control it is necessary to give drugs which deeply sedate the patient in order to stop the seizures.

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Status epilepticus drugs

A member asked:

Could i be conscious during status epilepticus?

A member asked:

Can a person be conscious during status epilepticus?

A member asked:

What complications are associated with status epilepticus?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: status epilepticus?

A member asked:

How are serial seizures and status epilepticus treated?

A member asked:

In a neuro-icu, how is status epilepticus treated?

A member asked:

If you have had status epilepticus in the past, should you call 911 immediately?

A member asked:

Whats is the first line treatment for status epilepticus?

A member asked:

If this is the first time i am having seizures but it lasted more than 30 minutes, is it considered status epilepticus?

A member asked:

Why would coma induction be used as a treatment for refractory status epilepticus?

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