[Attempt to identify a syndrome threatening status epilepticus in chronic epileptics in an institution]

The analysis of the frequency and the clinical symptoms of closely succeeding seizures in a population of chronic epileptic patients living in institutions reveals two major groups: serial seizures and status epilepticus. The latter occur more frequently in a 'high risk population' and are often heralded by a 'threatening symptom complex.' These notions are debated, and a therapeutic policy is suggested.