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Status epilepticus

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content provided by Healthwise

Status epilepticus is a prolonged seizure that can cause brain damage and sometimes death. Head injury, drug overdose or withdrawal, stroke, brain tumor, infection, or seizure disorders are common causes of status epilepticus.

It occurs when:

  • A seizure lasts more than 30 minutes.
  • Two or more seizures occur in rapid succession (one right after the other) during a 30-minute period and the person does not fully regain consciousness. (These seizures may look like one long seizure.)
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Last Updated: October 29, 2007
Author:
Monica Rhodes
Medical Review:
Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics

Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist

Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology


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