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Who is at risk for prolonged seizures?
1Comprehensive Epilepsy Management Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 10467, USA. sshinnar@montefiore.org
Journal of Child Neurology
|August 24, 2007
Summary
Prolonged seizures lasting over 5-10 minutes are common. A history of prolonged seizures is the primary risk factor, indicating a predisposition to longer, though not necessarily frequent, seizures.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Prolonged seizures are a significant concern in epilepsy management.
- Understanding risk factors and frequency is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the duration and frequency of prolonged seizures.
- To identify risk factors for prolonged seizures and establish a conceptual framework.
- To discuss treatment criteria for seizures exceeding 5 minutes.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies including first unprovoked seizures, febrile seizures, newly diagnosed epilepsy, refractory epilepsy, and treatment trials.
- Analysis of data from population-based and community-based cohorts.
Main Results:
- Prolonged seizures (over 5-10 minutes) are relatively common.
- A history of prior prolonged seizures is the key risk factor.
- A subgroup of patients is predisposed to prolonged seizures, leading to increased morbidity and decreased quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Identifying patients at risk for prolonged seizures is essential.
- Early recognition and intervention for prolonged seizures can mitigate negative health impacts.
- Treatment criteria for seizures over 5 minutes warrant careful consideration.
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