How I Treat Status Epilepticus in the Neuro-ICU

Status epilepticus still remains a formidable adversary to neurointensivists. Although the majority of cases admitted to the Neuro-ICU are easily controlled with one or two antiepileptic drug defense lines, several cases become refractory and end up receiving general anesthetics for days or weeks with significant morbidity. Treatment algorithms have been published and should be followed, but in many cases they are inadequate because, especially in the distal branches of the treatment tree, are based on anecdotal data or small series of patients. In addition, a double-blind, randomized-controlled study in status has not been done for many years and solid data are lacking for the newer antiepileptics. Therefore, in the moderately to severely refractory cases, status treatment is based on personal previous experience and becomes an art more than a science. In this review of a difficult case, we discuss some fine details of the treatment provided and emphasize the multidisciplinary approach that should be followed including involvement of neurointensivists, epileptologists, electroencephalographers, and neurosurgeons.

Panayiotis N. VarelasEmail: