Management of status epilepticus in adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6016/ZdravVestn.3436Keywords:
electroencephalography, pathophysiology, status epilepticus, treatmentAbstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a severe and quite common neurological emergency with high morbidity and mortality. The aetiology of SE can be symptomatic or cryptogenic (without an obvious cause). Clinically, we divide SE into 4 phases: early, established, refractory (RSE), and super-refractory SE (SRSE). Therefore, we apply a staged approach to treatment, starting with benzodiazepines, followed by more specific antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of established SE. Patients with RSE usually need treatment with general anaesthetics in the intensive care unit (ICU). Electroencephalography (EEG) is a good diagnostic method, which has proved its usefulness in some instances of SE (nonconvulsive SE, some types of focal SE, RSE, and SRSE) and is, with years and new knowledge, becoming an important part of the management and treatment of patients with SE. Despite the severe and urgent nature of the condition, an appropriate staged approach can improve the prognosis and lower the mortality rate of SE.
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