Status epilepticus is a seizure that lasts 30 minutes or more, or when seizures repeat without recovery.
This can be life threatening is a medical emergency. If someone has been having a seizure for more than 5 minutes, or a second seizure begins before the person has fully recovered from a previous one, need to call 999.
- Convulsive status epilepticus: This type occurs with convulsions. It may be more likely to lead to long-term injury. Convulsions may involve jerking motions, grunting sounds, drooling, and rapid eye movements.
- Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: People with this type may appear confused or look like they're daydreaming. They may be unable to speak. They may also behave in an irrational way.
What causes status epilepticus?
In children, the main cause of status epilepticus is an infection with a fever. Children with severe, refractory seizure disorders can also have status epilepticus. In adults, the common causes are:
- Stroke
- Autoimmune disorders
- Imbalance of substances in the blood, such as low blood sugar
- Drinking too much alcohol or having alcohol withdrawal after previous heavy alcohol use
- Withdrawal from medicines to treat seizures
Who is at risk for status epilepticus?
There are many risk factors for status epilepticus including:
- Poorly controlled epilepsy
- Low blood sugar
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Encephalitis (swelling or inflammation of the brain)
- HIV
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Genetic diseases such as Fragile X syndrome and Angelman syndrome
- Head injuries
There are many risk factors for status epilepticus including:
- Muscle spasms
- Falling
- Confusion
- Unusual noises
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Clenched teeth
- Irregular breathing
- Unusual behavior
- Difficulty speaking
- A "daydreaming" look