Treatment of Convulsive Status Epilepticus: Evidence-Based Guidelines

An updated, evidence-based algorithm to guide treatment in both children and adults

Sponsoring Organization: American Epilepsy Society (AES)

Target Audience: Neurologists, emergency care physicians, hospitalists, and intensive care specialists

Background and Objective

To update recommendations on the treatment of convulsive status epilepticus in children and adults since those published in 1993 as a consensus statement, the guideline subcommittee of the AES completed a systematic review of all relevant literature through September 2014. Treatment of refractory status epilepticus was not considered.

Key Recommendations

Initial treatment beyond stabilization of the patient and first-aid measures; recommendation level is “A” (established as effective with high-level evidence):

Intravenous (IV) benzodiazepine (lorazepam or diazepam)…

Reviewing Author

Robert C. Knowlton, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMore Health, Inc.; The Alliance of Medical Companies

Grant/Research SupportNIH Small Business Innovation Research

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSouthern Epilepsy & EEG Society (Treasurer)