Status Epilepticus
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Status Epilepticus Overview

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What is the definition of Status Epilepticus?
Status epilepticus (SE) is defined as an extremely rare condition of experiencing prolonged epileptic seizures (convulsions caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain) lasting longer than five minutes or a single seizure lasting longer than five minutes without a return to consciousness. Status epilepticus is considered to be a medical emergency. Status epilepticus is categorized into three subtypes: 1) Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus (GCSE), characterized by convulsions with abnormal, rapid eye movements, drooling, jerking limb movements, and grunting; and 2) Subtle Convulsive Status Epilepticus, characterized by abnormal, rapid eye movements, facial twitching, and subtle jerking of the limbs; and 3) Non-Convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), also known as Complex Partial Status Epilepticus, characterized by confusion, abnormal, rapid eye movement, an appearance of daydreaming, possible loss of speech, personality changes, and irrational behavior or psychosis).
What are the symptoms of Status Epilepticus?
Symptoms of status epilepticus vary by individual but may include falling, an appearance of daydreaming, confusion, abnormal, rapid eye movements, facial twitching, muscle spasms, jerking limb movements, clenched teeth, drooling, irregular breathing, grunting or making other unusual sounds, inability or difficulty speaking, irrational behavior or psychosis, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Some individuals with epilepsy may experience visual disturbances (aura) before the onset of a seizure, such as seeing flickering lights or sunbursts.
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What are the current treatments for Status Epilepticus?
Status epilepticus is considered to be a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent brain damage or death. The main treatments for status epilepticus are anticonvulsant drugs and drugs to prevent seizures, which include acetazolamide, carbamazepine, clonazepam, corticotrophin, corticosteroids, Diastat (diazepam suppository rectal gel), ethosuximide (Zarontin), felbamate (Felbatol), fosphenytoin sodium (cerebyx), lamotrigine (Lamictal), lorazepam, Neurontin (gabapentin), paraldehyde, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate (Topamax), trimethadione, valproic acid. Depending on the cause, such as a brain tumor or drug resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, some patients with status epilepticus may need surgery after first trying medications to stop the seizures. During a seizure characterized by status epilepticus (five minutes or longer), emergency assistance should be called immediately, while individuals experiencing an epileptic seizure should be protected from injury by removing any sharp or hard objects close by, loosening tight clothing, and placing a flat, soft object under the head. Do not attempt to restrain the individual. If possible, the individual experiencing a seizure should be turned on their side with something soft and flat placed between the teeth. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be necessary if the individual stops breathing after a seizure has ended. Oxygen may be administered by health professionals. After the seizure has ended, the individual should be allowed to sleep while awaiting emergency services.
Who are the top Status Epilepticus Local Doctors?
Elite in Status Epilepticus
Dr. Nicholas S. Abend
Pediatric Neurology
Elite in Status Epilepticus
Dr. Nicholas S. Abend
Pediatric Neurology
Referral may be required

CHOP Specialty Care, Lancaster

2104 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 300, 
Lancaster, PA 
717-544-0375
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Nicholas Abend is a Pediatric Neurologist practicing medicine in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Abend is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Status Epilepticus. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Status Epilepticus, Seizures, Epilepsy in Children, Epilepsy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Abend is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry & Neurology - Pediatric Neurology, Neurology - Child Neurology, 2018, American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, Neurology With Special Qualifications In Child Neurology, 2008, Psych & Neurology/Epilepsy (AMA), and American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, Epilepsy, 2013. Dr. Abend is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Status Epilepticus
Dr. William D. Gaillard
Pediatric Neurology
Elite in Status Epilepticus
Dr. William D. Gaillard
Pediatric Neurology
Referral may be required

Telehealth Video Visit

111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Childrens National Telemedicine, 
Washington, DC 
888-884-2327
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

William Gaillard is a Pediatric Neurologist practicing medicine in Washington, Washington, D.c.. Dr. Gaillard is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Status Epilepticus. He is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Epilepsy, Seizures, Epilepsy in Children, Liver Embolization, and Deep Brain Stimulation. Dr. Gaillard is board certified in Pediatrics: American Board Of Pediatrics, 2005, American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, and American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, 1992. Dr. Gaillard is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Status Epilepticus
Elite in Status Epilepticus
Referral may be required

Ucsf Medical Group Business Services

400 Parnassus Ave, 
San Francisco, CA 
415-476-1000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Elan Guterman is a Neurologist practicing medicine in San Francisco, California. Dr. Guterman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Status Epilepticus. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Status Epilepticus, Seizures, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Thrombectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Guterman is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology., Neurology.

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What are the latest Status Epilepticus Clinical Trials?
The Use of Continuous Electroencephalographic (EEG) Monitoring for Cases of Refractory Status Epilepticus: Does it Affect the Final Patient Outcome
The Use of Continuous Electroencephalographic (EEG) Monitoring for Cases of Refractory Status Epilepticus: Does it Affect the Final Patient Outcome
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 08, 2026
Intervention Type: Diagnostic test
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: This is a prospective randomized study to investigate the yield of continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG), as a diagnostic tool in intensive care unit (ICU), for patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and the contribution of this test to the patient final outcome, compared with standard medical care. Specifically, the hypothesis is that the use of cEEG for patients with RSE will signifi...

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Application of Targeting Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Stimulation in the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus
Application of Targeting Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Stimulation in the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 04, 2026
Intervention Type: Device
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: The purpose of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of targeting tDCS stimulation for treatment of Refractory status epilepticus

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