Status epilepticus is a prolonged seizure that can cause brain damage and sometimes death. Head injury, drug overdose or withdrawal, stroke, brain tumor, infection, or seizure disorders are common causes of status epilepticus.
It occurs when:
- A seizure lasts more than 30 minutes.
- Two or more seizures occur in rapid succession (one right after the other) during a 30-minute period and the person does not fully regain consciousness. (These seizures may look like one long seizure.)
Author:Monica Rhodes
Medical Review:Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist
Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist
Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Last Updated: 10/29/2007
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