Status Epilepticus-Definition
Status epilepticusis defined as more than 30
minutes of continuous seizure activity
OR
recurrent seizure activity without an
intervening period of consciousness
more practical definition: since isolated tonic -
clonicseizures rarely last > few minutes ...
consider Status if sz> 5 min or 2 discrete szwith
no regaining of consciousness between
Types of status epilepticus
Generalized convulsive status epilepticus
-Most common form
Non-convulsive generalized status epilepticus
(subtle status epilepticus)
-requires electroencephalography for diagnosis
Refractory status epilepticus(>60 min )
-or is refractory to therapy with 2 or 3
anticonvulsant agents
Myoclonicstatus epilepticus
-characterized by irregular and repetitive
movements of the face and extremities
Etiology
infection (systemic / CNS)
structural: trauma, CVA, IC bleed
CNS malformations
metabolic -hypoxia, abnelectrolytes,
hypoglycemia
toxic -alcohol, other drugs
drug withdrawal -AED’s, benzos
congenital -inborn errors of metabolism
Physiological Changes in
GCSE-
Compensation
Cerebral changes
Increased blood
flow
Energy
requirements are
matched by
increased lactate,
increased glucose
Metabolic changes
Hyperglycemia
Lactic acidosis
Autonomic
changes
Hypertension
Increased CO
Increased CVP
Massive
Catecholamines
Tachycardia
Arrythmias
Hyperpyrexia
Vomiting
Status epilepticus
It is a medical emergency –requires prompt and
aggressive treatment
Therapy should be aimed at:
Rapid termination of status epilepticus
Prevention of seizure recurrence
Treatment of underlying cause
Management of SE General
measures
ABC (Airway ,breathing, and circulation)is
the first priority
Protect airway, tongue, head
insert nasal airway or intubateif needed
Check blood pressure.
Begin nasal oxygen.
Monitor ECG and respiration.
Check temperature frequently.
Obtain history.
Perform neurologic examination.
Send blood for evaluation of electrolytes, BUN,
glucose level, CBC, toxic drug screen, and AED
level and ABG
Start EEG recording as soon as feasible.
Imaging with computed tomography is
recommended
If imaging is negative, lumbar puncture is
required to rule out infectious etiologies.
Start IV line containing isotonic saline at a
low infusion rate.
Inject 50 mLof 50 percent glucose IV and
100 mg of thiamine IV or IM.
Correct electrolyte imbalance -acidosis lowers
seizure threshold, treat with bicarbonate if pH<7.1
Treatment of underlying cause may proceed
concurrently with drug therapy, e.g., neurosurgical
decompression.
Pharmacological Management of SE
Anti -Epileptic Drugs:
Benzodiazepines
Phenytoin/ Fosphenytoin
Barbiturates
Propofol
others / new possibilities
Status Epilepticus-Definitive Treatment
Lorazepam
1st agent to use
Dose: Adults -0.1 mg/kg IV over 1 min
Peds.05 -.1 mg/kg (to 4 mg) IV
less lipid soluble than Diazepam --> smaller
volume of distribution / longer T1/2
effects last 12 -24 hr
S/E: respdepression, hypotension, confusion,
sedation (but less than diazepam)
Diazepam
Dose -0.2 mg/kg IV (max,10mg) over 1 min
repeat after 5 minsif no response
High lipid solubility
Fast redistribution: 15-20 minutes
Effect lasts for 15-30 min
Adverse effects:
respiratory depression
Hypotension
Second Stage-Established GCSE(20-
60 min)
Phenytoin: still the standard 2nd IV Rx after
Benzo
Dose:15 -20mg/kg (slow iv)
max rate 50mg/min
IV solution is highly alkaline -pH is 12
-give in large vein, dilute N/S, flush .
Do not add to dextrose drip as it preciptiates
onset of action: 10 -30 min
Duration of action:12-24hrs
Phenytoincontinued
S/E -(most avoided if slower administration)
hypotension
arrhythmias -(must monitor ECG )
respiratory depression
extravasation-->tissue injury / necrosis
C/I-in pt with second degree heart block
or severe hypotension
Fosphenytoin
a prodrugof Phenytoin
it has no anticonvulsant action itself, but is
rapidly converted to Phenytoin
Dosage: in “PhenytoinEquivalents” to
attempt to avoid confusion
15-18 phenytoinequivalent (PE)/kg iv/imat
max rate of 150 mg PE/min
Molecular wt = 1.5 x Phenytoin... so
1.5 mg Fosphen--> 1 mg Phenytoin
delivered
Fosphenytoin
Advantages over Phenytoin:
pH 8(vs Phenytoin pH 12)
does not require solvent (Phenytoin is dissolved
in propylene glycol)
can give IM when no IV access
IV: -less potential for irritation -can give faster
-no risk of tissue necrosis if goes interstitial
-does not precipitate in IV solutions
lower risk of hypotension and dysrhythmias
Alternative therapeutic option
Sodium Valproate: 25-35 mg/kg iv at max rate
of 6mg/kg/hr
S/E -Local irritation ,GI distress, Lethargy
Phenobarbitone:20 mg/kg iv at 60 mg/min
S/E: profound hypotension
respiratory depression
patient will likely need intubation & ventilation at
this point; (and will need ICU admission and
continuous EEG monitoring if SE persists)
Refractory Status Epilepticus
(>60min)
Admit the pt in ICU
Prepare to mechanically ventilate
If intubating/ ventilating -avoid long-acting n-m
blockers -masks szactivity
Obtain central venous acces
Continuous hemodynamic monitoring through
arterial line
Start EEG monitoring
Refractory SE T/t
Midazolam: 0.2 mg/kg iv (max 10 mg) bolus over
2 min followed by 0.1-0.4 mg/kg/h continuous iv
infusion
Continue pharmacologic coma for 12 hrs after
last seizures with EEG goal of burst suppression
Thiopental
Thiopental:10-20 mg/kg iv bolus followed by
0.5-1 mg/kg/h iv infusion
rapid onset: 30 -60 sec
short duration: 20 -30 min
Thiopental -negative aspects:
accumulates in fatty tissues
long recovery time after infusion
hemodynamic instability -CV depression,
hypotension, arrhythmias
Propofol
Dose: 2-5mg/kg iv bolus
Rate: 5-10 mg/kg/hr
Onset: 2-4 min
Half-life: 30-60 min
does not accumulate --> rapid recovery
Mechanism:
stimulates GABA receptors (like
Benzos/Bbts)
suppresses CNS metabolism
Weaning phase
Reduce infusion every 3 hrs with EEG
monitoring
If no clinical or electrographic seizures then
wean off
If seizures recur re-institute coma therapy
Status epilepticusmanagement
Lorazepamo.1mg/kg i.v. over1-2 min
(Repeat x1 if no response after 5 min)
Additional emergent drug may not be
required if seizures stop or etiology is rapidly
controlled.
Fosphenytoin20 mg/kg PE IV @ 150
mg/min or
Phenytoin20 mg/kg IV @ 50 mg/min
seizures continuing
Fosphenytoin7–10 mg/kg PE IV @ 150
mg/min
or Phenytoin7–10 mg/kg IV @ 50 mg/min
Consider valproate
25mg/kg IV
Consider admitting to ICU
Phenobarbital 20 mg/kg IV @ 60 mg/min
seizures continuing
Phenobarbital 10 mg/kg IV @ 60 mg/min
IV anesthesia with propofolor midazolamor
pentobarbital
Maintenance AED treatment
To prevent recurrence of seizures
In known case of epilepsy, usual AEDs
maintained and dose adjusted depending on
serum AED levels
In patients presenting for the first time drugs like
PHT or VPA used to control the status continued
as oral maintenance therapy
Possible new drugs for Status
Lidocaine-some positive trials
Gabapentin/ Vigabatrin/ Lamotrigine
Felbamate-blocks NMDA receptors
Ketamine-blocks NMDA receptors
Ketaminein SE
blocks NMDA receptors -this may protect
brain from effects of excitatory NT’s
may be neuroprotectiveas well as
antiepileptic
some animal studies have demonstrated
control of refractory SE with Ketamine:
more efffectivethan Phenobarbin LATE
SE (>60 min); not as effective in EARLY
SE