Complications of the management of status epilepticus in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Barbiturates and propofol are widely used to control status epilepticus. This review aims to discuss all possible adverse effects incurred by the administration of GABA-mediated anesthetic agents. Further on unconventional therapies such as ketamine, lidocaine, or anesthetic agents are discussed both with respect to efficacy and complications. The aim of this review is to raise awareness of complications incurred by therapeutic approaches to patients with status epilepticus in the intensive care unit. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2011 International League Against Epilepsy.