STATUS EPILEPTICUS Meaning and
Definition
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Status epilepticus is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged or continuous seizure activity. It is a neurological emergency that poses a serious threat to the affected individual's health and can potentially lead to irreversible brain damage or even death if left untreated.
During status epilepticus, the seizure activity does not resolve spontaneously and is either a single prolonged seizure lasting longer than five minutes or a series of seizures occurring within a short span of time without the person regaining consciousness between them. This condition can occur in individuals with a pre-existing seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, or in individuals without any prior history of seizures.
The symptoms of status epilepticus may vary and depend on the type of seizure activity involved. These can include convulsions, loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity, repetitive movements, unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygenation). Status epilepticus can significantly impact various bodily functions, causing complications like metabolic disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and brain injury.
Immediate medical intervention is essential in the case of status epilepticus. Treatment typically involves administering antiepileptic medications, such as benzodiazepines, to halt the ongoing seizure activity and stabilize the individual. In some cases, additional treatments like intravenous medications or general anesthesia may be required to control the seizures. Following the resolution of status epilepticus, further investigation and management of the underlying cause are necessary to prevent future episodes and complications.
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A condition in which one major attack of epilepsy succeeds another with little or no intermission, lasting for 12 to 24 hours.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STATUS EPILEPTICUS
- atatus epilepticus
- ztatus epilepticus
- xtatus epilepticus
- dtatus epilepticus
- etatus epilepticus
- wtatus epilepticus
- sratus epilepticus
- sfatus epilepticus
- sgatus epilepticus
- syatus epilepticus
- s6atus epilepticus
- s5atus epilepticus
- stztus epilepticus
- ststus epilepticus
- stwtus epilepticus
- stqtus epilepticus
- starus epilepticus
- stafus epilepticus
- stagus epilepticus
Etymology of STATUS EPILEPTICUS
The term "Status Epilepticus" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
1. "Status" comes from the Latin word "status", which means "state", "position", or "condition".
2. "Epilepticus" is derived from the Greek word "epileptikos", which means "seizure" or "having epilepsy".
Combined, "Status Epilepticus" refers to a prolonged and continuous seizure or a series of seizures without complete recovery of consciousness.
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