This session will be about continuous seizure activity, also known as status epilepticus. Like most diseases, epilepsy exists along a continuum of acuity. We previously learned about chronic management of patients with epilepsy. This series will get into the management of the other end of that spectrum, patients with prolonged seizure activity who require immediate, aggressive management to prevent long term neurologic consequences and death. Exciting stuff and bread and butter for emergency medicine and critical care!
Special thanks to Dr. Amanda Bernarde, former PGY2 resident in critical care, for putting together the videos for this session!
Learning Objectives
1) Define status epilepticus (SE) based on the 2016 American Epilepsy Society Guidelines
2) Identify the signs and symptoms associated with convulsive and nonconvulsive SE
3) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacologic agents used for the acute management of SE
4) Describe the pathophysiology associated with refractory status epilepticus and its appropriate management strategies
5) Select an appropriate treatment regimen for SE given a patient scenario