Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency that requires timely pharmacological
therapy to cease seizure activity. The treatment approach varies based on the time
and the treatment stage of SE. Benzodiazepines are considered the first-line therapy
during the emergent treatment phase of SE. Antiseizure medicines such as phenytoin,
valproic acid, and levetiracetam are recommended during the urgent treatment phase.
These drugs appear to have a similar safety and efficacy profile, and individualized
therapy should be chosen based on patient characteristics. Midazolam, propofol, pentobarbital,
and ketamine are continuous intravenous infusions of anesthetic medications utilized
in the refractory SE (RSE) period. The most efficacious pharmacotherapeutic treatments
for RSE and superrefractory status epilepticus are not clearly defined.
Keywords
status epilepticus - seizure - medication - benzodiazepine - antiseizure - antiepileptic
- treatment
