What is intractable status epilepticus?

Background Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is a life-threatening condition in which seizures do not respond to first- and second-line anticonvulsant drug therapy.

What is the drug of choice for status epilepticus?

BENZODIAZEPINES. The benzodiazepines are some of the most effective drugs in the treatment of acute seizures and status epilepticus. The benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat status epilepticus are diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and midazolam (Versed).

What are the 5 major complications of status epilepticus?

Acute complications result from hyperthermia, pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse. Long-term complications include epilepsy (20% to 40%), encephalopathy (6% to 15%), and focal neurologic deficits (9% to 11%).

What type of seizure is status epilepticus?

A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or having more than 1 seizure within a 5 minutes period, without returning to a normal level of consciousness between episodes is called status epilepticus. This is a medical emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage or death.

What is intractable vs not intractable?

What is a not intractable migraine? An intractable migraine causes severe pain that extends beyond 72 hours and usually requires a hospital visit for treatment. Comparatively, a not intractable migraine typically lasts up to 72 hours and can be treated with migraine medications.

What is intractable and non intractable?

Intractable epilepsy is when seizures can’t be completely controlled by medicines. (Intractable means “not easily managed or relieved.”) It’s also called refractory, uncontrolled, or drug-resistant epilepsy.

What is an appropriate first line treatment of the status epilepticus?

Early status epilepticus: first-line treatment The first-line treatment for early SE mainly comprises the administration of benzodiazepines, the most frequently used of which include diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam.

What kind of brain damage can status epilepticus cause?

Permanent neurological damage can happen after about 30 minutes of status epilepticus due to prolonged abnormal electrical activity in the affected area of the brain.

What does intractable without status epilepticus mean?