Evaluation of a First Seizure and Management of Status Epilepticus

Publication date: July 2017 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics, Volume 6, Issue 3 Author(s): Marcus YountzTeaser An adult presenting with a first-ever seizure needs a thorough evaluation to determine appropriate long-term management. This work-up includes a detailed history of the present event and review of the patient’s medical history and examination; laboratory evaluation, brain imaging, and electroencephalogram also are needed in most cases. The results of this evaluation are integrated into a complex decision-making process to determine whether to initiate antiepileptic drugs after a single seizure. Patients presenting initially in status epilepticus are treated as a medical emergency. Initial treatment of convulsive status epilepticus is frequently protocol driven.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research