In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the September 2025 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Emergency Department Management of Patients With Status Epilepticus (https://www.ebmedicine.net/topics/neu...)
Topic Introduction
• Focus: Status Epilepticus in Adults
• Reference to recent pediatric episode
• Article authors: Dr. Marquez, Dr. Kaur, Dr. Lay
Why Status Epilepticus Matters
• Teaching value and clinical challenge
• Team-based care and multidisciplinary involvement
Guidelines and Evidence
• Review of major guidelines (International League Against Epilepsy, Neurocritical Care Society, American Epilepsy Society)
• Key trials: EcLiPSE, ConSEPT, ESETT
• Updated definition of status epilepticus
Classification and Diagnosis
• Convulsive vs. non-convulsive status
• Importance of repeated neurologic exams
• Diagnostic challenges and mimics (e.g., syncope, psychogenic seizures)
Etiology and Workup
• Acute vs. non-acute causes
• Common triggers: medication noncompliance, metabolic issues, infections, trauma
• Importance of sleep patterns and ammonia levels
• The NORSE acronym (new onset refractory status epilepticus)
Prehospital and ED Management
• Airway, breathing, circulation priorities
• Early pharmacologic intervention (IM midazolam preferred in prehospital)
• Gathering history and medication information
• Positioning and airway protection
Diagnostics
• Laboratory workup: glucose, CBC, metabolic panel, drug levels, pregnancy test
• Imaging: non-contrast CT, MRI, ultrasound, lumbar puncture
• EEG: spot vs. continuous monitoring
Treatment Approach
• First-line: Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, midazolam)
• Second-line: Levetiracetam, valproate, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, lacosamide
• Third-line: Continuous infusions (midazolam, propofol, pentobarbital, thiopental, ketamine)
• Dosing pearls and importance of rapid escalation
Special Populations
• Pregnancy (eclampsia: magnesium as first-line)
• Substance-induced status epilepticus (e.g., isoniazid toxicity and pyridoxine)
• Brief mention of pediatric management and the PD stat app
Risk Management Pitfalls
• Non-convulsive status is common and easily missed
• Importance of weight-based dosing
• Need for formal EEG in ambiguous cases
• Don’t assume non-adherence is the only cause in known epileptics
• Always consider higher level of care for status patients
Clinical Pathway
• Stepwise approach to medication and escalation
• Emphasis on having a pathway/checklist for these high-stress cases
Conclusion
• Recap of key points
• Thanks to authors and listeners
• Reminder to visit ebmedicine.net for CME and resources
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