Status epilepticus
Status epilepticus (sometimes just called status) is seizure activity that lasts too long.
Fast facts
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1Most people with epilepsy have seizures that last a short time and stop by themselves
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2When a seizure doesn’t stop in the usual time, or when seizures happen one after another without recovery in between, the person is in status epilepticus
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3Status epilepticus can happen with any type of seizure
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4Tonic-clonic status epilepticus always needs urgent treatment. It’s sometimes called convulsive status epilepticus
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5If tonic-clonic status epilepticus lasts for 30 minutes or more it can cause permanent brain damage or even death
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6Emergency medicine (sometimes called rescue medicine) may be prescribed for people at risk of status epilepticus. If you need emergency medicine a nurse or doctor will write a care plan for you so that it can be used correctly
Treatment for status epilepticus
Emergency medicine can be given by a family member, carer, teacher or colleague, as long as they have been trained in how to give it
Ambulance staff sometimes carry emergency medicine so they can start treatment as soon as they arrive
In hospital, there are a number of medicines that doctors can use to stop status epilepticus. They usually give these medicines by injection or drip
There are 2 main types of emergency medicine licensed for use in the UK:
- Buccal midazolam is the most frequently used. It is given with an oral syringe, between the person’s gums and cheek. Brand names include Buccolam and Epistatus
- Rectal diazepam is given rectally (into the bottom). Brand names include Diazepam RecTube and Stesolid
When to call an ambulance
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1You know it’s the persons first seizure OR
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2The seizure continues for more than 5 minutes OR
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3One seizure happens after another without recovering in between OR
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4There is an injury needing urgent medical attention
