In a previous paper, we reviewed the range of therapies available for the treatment of super-refractory status epilepticus. Here we report a review of the outcome of therapies in refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus. Patients (n = 1168) are reported who had therapy with: thiopental, pentobarbital, midazolam, propofol, ketamine, inhalational anaesthetics (isoflurane, desflurane), a...

Background Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is a frequent medical emergency. GCSE treatment focuses on the administration of benzodiazepines followed by second-line antiepileptic drug (AED). Despite this stepwise strategy, not controlled in one-quarter patients and associated with protracted hospitalization, high mortality, long-term disability. Valproic acid (VPA) an AED good t...

Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) characterized primarily by changes in consciousness in association with typical electroencephalography (EEG) changes is not very common; however, it is usually difficult to diagnose this SE type. NCSE should be one of the differential diagnoses for patients who present to the emergency department with impaired consciousness. There is no standard approach...

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis and bright pulvinar are rare in patients with status epilepticus. We present a case of a 53-year-old man who was found confused, incontinent, and nonverbal. The EEG findings were consistent with non-convulsive status epilepticus. The brain MR images showed findings consistent with crossed cerebellar diaschisis and bright pulvinar. We report and discuss this case to...

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a heterogeneous disorder with different seizure types and diverse etiologies, and is mainly characterized by altered consciousness. The recognition of NCSE is more challenging than generalized convulsive SE, and diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Therefore, some cases can evolve into refractory SE and become pharmacoresistant even with GABAergi...

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a medical emergency associated with high mortality and morbidity. The most recent definition of CSE is a convulsive seizure lasting more than 5min or consecutive seizures without recovery of consciousness. In adults, for the treatment of the early stages of CSE, diazepam, lorazepam or midazolam are the most common treatments, although the choice of agent s...

Subacute encephalopathy with seizures in chronic alcoholism (SESA) was first described in 1981 by Niedermeyer who reported alcoholic patients presenting with confusion, seizures and focal neurological deficits and is quite distinct from patients presenting with typical alcohol withdrawal seizures. EEG often reveals periodic discharges and spikes, but SESA presenting with non-convulsive status e...

Status epilepticus (SE) represents a medical emergency that annually affects 60,000--150,000 individuals in the United States. Selective neuronal loss in vulnerable areas has been pathologically demonstrated following convulsive SE primarily affecting the limbic system, thalamus and cerebellum. Morbidity in those cases that follow refractory SE (RSE) is poorly documented. There have been anecdo...