Management of super refractory status epilepticus

Abstract

Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is the status epilepticus in which the seizures continue for 24 hour or more after anesthetic medications to control and reappear when the patient is weaned from the anesthetic agent. Characteristic seizures are distinguished, by the presence and/or absence of motor seizure, into convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). An aggressive therapy is often needed after diagnosis is confirmed. Continuous monitoring during therapy is very important. The management for SRSE includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Clinical and electrographic seizure suppression is the treatment goal. After that we need to find and treat the cause of seizures. Clinical judgement by the clinician is needed to identify the risks of excessive suppression of the nervous system, so as the morbidity and mortality is reduced for those patients who can survive but often have difficult and prolonged recovery.