Non-convulsive status epilepticus in adults: clinical forms and treatment

Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is one of the great diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of modern neurology. Because the clinical features of this disorder may be very discrete and sometimes hard to differentiate from normal behaviour, NCSE is usually overlooked and consequently not treated properly. It is important to be familiar with the clinical subtypes such as absence, simple and complex partial, and subtle status epilepticus because each requires tailored management. In order to improve overall care of patients with NCSE, strict diagnostic criteria are needed that should be based on clinical alterations and ictal electroencephalographic changes. NCSE should be terminated rapidly to prevent patients from serious injuries, particularly if consciousness is impaired.