TY - JOUR
T1 - Seizures and Status Epilepticus in the Critically Ill
AU - Mirski, Marek A.
AU - Varelas, Panayiotis N.
PY - 2008/1
Y1 - 2008/1
N2 - Seizures represent stereotypic electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral paroxysms as a consequence of electrical neurologic derangement. Seizures are usually described as focal or generalized motor convulsions; however, nonconvulsive seizures that occur in the absence of motor activity may escape clinical detection. Because of the admission diagnoses and dramatic physiologic and metabolic derangements common to critically ill patients, the entire spectrum of seizure disorders may be encountered in the ICU. Seizures in the ICU are attributable to primary neurologic pathology or secondary to critical illness and clinical management. For optimal treatment, early diagnosis of the seizure type and its cause is important to ensure appropriate therapy. Convulsive status epilepticus requires emergent treatment before irreversible brain injury and severe metabolic disturbances occur.
AB - Seizures represent stereotypic electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral paroxysms as a consequence of electrical neurologic derangement. Seizures are usually described as focal or generalized motor convulsions; however, nonconvulsive seizures that occur in the absence of motor activity may escape clinical detection. Because of the admission diagnoses and dramatic physiologic and metabolic derangements common to critically ill patients, the entire spectrum of seizure disorders may be encountered in the ICU. Seizures in the ICU are attributable to primary neurologic pathology or secondary to critical illness and clinical management. For optimal treatment, early diagnosis of the seizure type and its cause is important to ensure appropriate therapy. Convulsive status epilepticus requires emergent treatment before irreversible brain injury and severe metabolic disturbances occur.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.ccc.2007.11.005
DO - 10.1016/j.ccc.2007.11.005
M3 - Review article
C2 - 18241782
AN - SCOPUS:38749111858
VL - 24
SP - 115
EP - 147
JO - Critical Care Clinics
JF - Critical Care Clinics
SN - 0749-0704
IS - 1
ER -