Status epilepticus and neuronal degeneration: of circuitries and vicious circles
Rossetti, A.O.; Perrig, S.; Landis, T.; Despland, P.A.; Seeck, M.
Revue Medicale Suisse 2(64): 1185-1186; 1189-1191
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 16734191 Document Number: 595084
The relationship between status epilepticus (SE) and neuronal degeneration is quite complex and difficult to investigate. Animal studies suggest that SE induces a progressive neuronal death; however, clinical observations on humans are less uniform: generalized SE may precede the development of hippocampal sclerosis, but other forms (such as simple-partial or complex-partial) seem less ominous. On the other side, SE can be encountered in many patients with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly those with severe forms. It is thus likely that SE represents a sign, rather than an aetiology, of clinical gravity. Therefore, while it is ancillary to treat rapidly any SE form, the therapeutic approach, especially the use of aggressive treatments, should be tailored according to the underlying medical conditions.