Impact of receptor changes on treatment of status epilepticus

Abstract

Neurotransmitter receptors play a key role in the pathogenesis and current treatment strategies for status epilepticus (SE). Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat SE exert their anticonvulsant action by stimulating γ-aminobutyric type A receptors (GABAA receptors). These drugs are quite effective in terminating SE in approximately 55–66% of patients, but there is a residual group of patients with seizures resistant to benzodiazepeines. The mechanisms underlying initiation and maintenance of prolonged SE were explored.