Epileptic emergencies
Thomas, P.
La Revue du Praticien 50(18): 2008-2014
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 11192970 Document Number: 517323
Convulsive status epilepticus is a major epileptic emergency. Prompt and effective treatment is requested to prevent death or neurological sequel. First-line drugs must have a favourable benefit to risk ratio. Refractory status must be treated aggressively by second-line sedative drugs. In this situation, EEG monitoring must diagnose subtle status epilepticus by controlling the disappearance of ictal discharges. Non-convulsive generalized or partial status epilepticus is a diagnostic challenge, best solved by emergency EEG. Immediate discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs is requested to avoid potentially serious idiosyncratic side-effects. Prescriptions habits will be avoided to prevent recurrence of isolated convulsive seizures.