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  • Print publication year: 2019
  • Online publication date: July 2019

Chapter 15 - Status Epilepticus in the Neurocritical Care Unit

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Summary

Status epilepticus (SE) is defined as continuous or repetitive seizure activity persisting for at least five minutes without recovery to baseline between attacks [1,2]. SE may be classified into convulsive and nonconvulsive, based on the presence of rhythmic jerking of the extremities. Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is defined as ongoing seizures failing to respond to first- and second-line anticonvulsant drug therapy. Among these patients, 10 to 15% [3] fail to respond to third-line therapy, and are considered to have super-refractory SE (SRSE) [4].

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