Status Epilepticus Classification

Abstract

Classifications of epileptic seizures and epilepsies have been developed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Since the early classifications, there has always been a recognition that the classification scheme will change as more is learned about these disorders. The ILAE has also classified status epilepticus (SE), and this classification, too, has evolved over the last few decades. However, the latest ILAE classification of epilepsy from 2010 does not talk discuss SE, although it does address the definition of seizures [1]. The penultimate report from 2006 on the classification of epilepsy does discuss SE [2]. The older document will be used in this chapter with those definitions of SE [3], but with updated language to reflect the newer terminology related to seizures. The older document divided SE into nine areas. There are some additions to the 2006 classification system that have been included in this chapter, since new information has come out in the last 10 years. Please see Table 4.1 for a classification of SE.