The rationale for aggressive treatment of generalized status epilepticus was described previously here.  In short, best outcomes rely upon rapid seizure control.  The longer the seizure continues, the more refractory it becomes to therapy.  The duration of status epilepticus which may cause permanent brain damage is unknown, with experts currently suggesting thirty minutes (Zaccara 2017).  Aside from the brain, persistent status epilepticus may cause aspiration, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia.


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