Status epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency. It requires prompt and adequate diagnosis and treatment, as it may induce CNS injury. It is mainly distinguished into generalised and partial SE on the basis of its major clinical features. There are very few data about SE physiopathology, but it is generally characterised by increasing unresponsiveness to treatment. SE diagnosis is based on EEG recording, associated with neuroimaging techniques and laboratory assays to detect underlying pathologies. During SE we distinguish three different conditions: initial, defined and refractory. Benzodiazepines represent first-line treatment, followed by phenytoin. Refractory SE requires ICU treatment to perform general anaesthesia.