Status epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a single epileptic seizure lasting more than five minutes or two or more seizures within a five-minute period without the person returning to normal between them.
This state of continuous, unremitting seizure can be life-threatening and requires prompt emergency intervention.

Symptoms..

Regular pattern of contraction and extension of the arms and legs, movement of one part of the body, unresponsive.

Treatment..

Benzodiazepines, phenytoin

Frequency..

40 per 100,000 people per year

First aid!!

Do..

Protect the person from injury - (remove harmful objects from nearby)

Cushion their head

Look for an epilepsy identity card or identity jewellery

Aid breathing by gently placing the person in the recovery position when the seizure has finished (see picture)

Stay with them until recovery is complete

Be calmly reassuring.

Don't…

Restrain the person’s movements

Put anything in their mouth

Try to move them, unless they are in danger

Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered

Attempt to bring them round.