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Status epilepticus in childhood

Yu-Tze Ng1, Rama Maganti

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Oklahoma Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, United States. y-ng@ouhsc.edu

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|September 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Status epilepticus (SE) is a dangerous neurological emergency affecting children and adults. This review covers diagnosis, pediatric febrile SE, and treatments for refractory cases, including medically induced coma.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Status epilepticus (SE) is a critical neurological condition impacting both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Febrile SE is a primary cause in children, contrasting with adults where other symptomatic origins are more prevalent.
  • SE can manifest at the onset of epilepsy, particularly in pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the diagnostic workup for SE, including neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG).
  • To review EEG patterns, out-of-hospital management, and treatment strategies for refractory SE in children.
  • To explore advanced treatments like medically induced coma and neurosurgery for refractory SE.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic and treatment modalities for status epilepticus.
  • Discussion of electroencephalographic findings and their interpretation in SE.
  • Analysis of current and potential therapeutic interventions for refractory SE.

Main Results:

  • Aetiological workup universally requires neuroimaging and EEG.
  • Refractory SE may necessitate medically induced coma, though optimal parameters in children are not well-defined.
  • Neurosurgery is an underutilized option for refractory SE cases.

Conclusions:

  • Status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency with potentially improved but still guarded prognosis.
  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and tailored treatment strategies are crucial for managing SE.
  • Further research is needed to clarify optimal treatments for refractory SE, especially in pediatric populations.

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