Status Epilepticus – What is it and what happens next?
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting approximately 1% of the global population. The symptom of the condition is seizures, which result from a sudden and short-term disruption in brain function. Epilepsy can arise from various causes, such as head injuries, infections, genetic disorders, metabolic problems, or brain tumors.
Status Epilepticus is a severe, potentially life-threatening condition in which:
- seizures last much longer than usual
- or occur one after another without a break in between, with no recovery of consciousness during the intervals
Cluster seizures are a similar condition where the patient regains consciousness between multiple seizures.Status Epilepticus is difficult to predict—it can occur in patients already diagnosed with epilepsy and very often also in those who have not previously been diagnosed with the condition. Status Epilepticus can be the first symptom of epilepsy – here we are defenseless!
Patients in Status Epilepticus require immediate medical care!
The first step is to protect the patient from injuries, such as falls, position them in a recovery position, and maintain airway patency. Then medical assistance should be called, as it is usually necessary to interrupt the Status Epilepticus or cluster seizures with pharmacological agents.
In such cases, intravenous administration of anticonvulsant drugs, such as clonazepam or midazolam, is often required. In certain circumstances - when the risk of Status Epilepticus is significant in already diagnosed patients -the patient may be equipped with appropriate medications that can be administered rectally, orally, or nasally. This is the “home” stage of attempting to stop Status Epilepticus.
If seizures persist, hospitalization may be necessary to conduct further diagnostics and treatment. In the most severe cases of Status Epilepticus, it may also be necessary to induce a deep pharmacological coma, which must be monitored in a specialized intensive care unit (ICU).
“In summary, Status Epilepticus is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The mortality rate, both direct and from complications, can reach 30%. Therefore, in the event of such a condition, medical help should be called immediately, and the patient should be provided with appropriate care.
But the most important thing - in diagnosed cases - is to try to prevent Status Epilepticus. Proper treatment and well-planned epileptological care are key.” – says Dr. Piotr Zwoliński, founder and experienced specialist at Neurosphera.
And such care - only at Neurosphera… The first step to finding appropriate treatment and preventing Status Epilepticus is cooperation and consultations with a specialist. At Neurosphera, our qualified doctors will guide every person struggling with this condition and will constantly seek solutions. Schedule a consultation today.