Nursing care for people with status epilepticus

Karla I. Bautista-Rodriguez, Departamento de Enfermería, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Héctor Mendoza-Bernal, Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Laura E. Hernández-Vanegas, Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México

Status epilepticus (SE) is defined as a seizure that is abnormally prolonged or repeated at short intervals leading to a lasting condition. The diagnosis and treatment of SE, a life-threatening neurological emergency, must be performed immediately; complementary studies should not delay treatment. The purpose of this work is to provide theoretical tools that allow for the identification of SE and the interventions necessary for the adequate management. Give a summary of fundamental concepts regarding epilepsy, seizures, and SE, with a particular emphasis on the contribution of nursing services to their treatment. A narrative review of the topic of SE was conducted, including current relevant theoretical concepts that support the understanding of SE and conducting a non-systematized review on the treatment of SE. To improve patient care and reduce response time, clinical practice guidelines and specific nursing algorithms for SE are required.

Keywords: Status epilepticus. Nursing care. Epilepsy. Epileptic seizures.