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Review article: Convulsive and non‐convulsive status epilepticus: An emergency medicine perspective
Author(s) -
Shah Amish M,
Vashi Anita,
Jagoda Andy
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2009.01212.x
Subject(s) - medicine , status epilepticus , lorazepam , intensive care medicine , psychological intervention , epilepsy , anesthesia , psychiatry
Status epilepticus (SE) is divided into convulsive and non‐convulsive types; both are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although convulsive SE is easily recognized, non‐convulsive SE remains an elusive diagnosis as physical signs are varied and subtle. Successful management depends on a comprehensive approach that involves diagnostic testing and pharmacological interventions while ensuring cerebral oxygenation and perfusion at all times. There are a limited number of well‐designed studies to support the development of evidence‐based recommendations for the management of SE, especially for the management of non‐convulsive status. Benzodiazepines, specifically lorazepam, continue to be the most commonly recommended first‐line therapy; best treatment for refractory status cases depends on resources available and must be tailored to the individual institution. In order to facilitate care, it is recommended that each institution develop a management protocol for these patients.