Common Errors in Diagnosis & Management of Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a serious medical emergency and successful management needs urgent, effective and organized approach. Treatment is largely aimed at stopping seizures in order to avoid brain damage and other morbidities. Common errors frequently seen in the evaluation and management of patients with SE encompasses errors in the following items which are discussed. 1.Misdiagnosis (pseudo-seizure, comatose patient,) 2.Applying inadequate dose of antiepileptic drug or wrong route of administration 3. Missing or not treating underlying cause (Hypoglycemia, CNS Infection) 4.Not correcting Hyperthermia, Electrolyte disturbances (Na, K, Mg), Acidosis, Brain edema 5.Delay in Intubation leading to hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. 6.Excessive delay in switching to second medication or starting anesthetic drugs 7.Delay in initiation of maintenance anti-epileptic drugs following status treatment.