Convulsive status epilepticus in children

Abstract

Convulsive status epilepticus is the most urgent neurological medical emergency in children. Generalized convulsive status epilepticus is the most common and life-threatening type of status epilepticus. It is not a syndrome in the same sense as febrile convulsions, benign rolandic epilepsy, and infantile polymorphic epilepsy. These latter disorders have a tight age frame, seizure semiology, and a reasonably predictable outcome. Episodes of convulsive status epilepticus can occur in each: occasionally in symptomatic and febrile convulsions, and Lennox Gastaut syndrome, rarely in benign rolandic epilepsy, and West syndrome. Status epilepticus has many causes, which vary depending on the age and patient population. Convulsive status epileptucus continues to be associated with significant neurological morbidity and mortality, with different hazards and outcome. Although the outcome is dependent on etiology, it is known that appropriate early management may reduce mortality and some of the morbidity associated with convulsive status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a disorder in which the mechanisms attempting at terminating the seizure fail. Continued convulsive activity in convulsive status epilepticus results in decompensation of all organs and systems, thus being life threatening. Seizure activity in convulsive status epilepticus is associated with neuronal damage. The aim should be to halt this activity urgently, using, ideally, a 100% effective drug, administered quickly, without compromising the consciousness level or producing other negative effects on cardiovascular, respiratory function or other unexpected effects.