Status Epilepticus

Question: How long does it take to go into status epilepticus after stopping medication immediately? How many hours? In case I am declared an enemy combatant and detained for an unlimited amounted of time, as the government can do.

Answer: Depends on the medication. Some have longer half-lives than others. Status epilepticus can occur after rapid decrease in drug levels, but does not always occur. It is more common if you have had status in the past. My advice- don't stop medication abruptly.

Question: How do you find out what the threshold is for Ativan gtt for for status epilepticus? Is it found out by titration or specifically by pt's kg weight? The problem is getting some neuro response better than lethargy while keeping pt under seizure threshold.

Answer: Ativan isn't a typical drip for refractory status...Versed would be more common if you are using a benzo and propofol probably a better choice. Ativan is usually used as IVP early in the protocol. Probably the best way to titrate Ativan is by using an EEG and maintaining the patient in a burst suppression pattern.

Question: What medicine will you give for a person having Status epilepticus?

Answer: Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, barbiturates such as pentobarbital, and phenytoin are commonly used. Diazepam is the most popular first-line treatment for Status epilepticus.

Question: Which motorneurons are susceptible to status epilepticus in the pilocarpine-treated mouse?

Answer: tis like the subway put some liver in ur mouth In the middle of rush hour whore some year old mayonnaise meets yesterdays tuna It’s end of line.!!!!!!!!

Question: Question about status epilepticus? Hello, I have a general question about status epilepticus, something I was just curious about. While I know you can have a constant tonic-clonic seizure in status epilepticus, is it possible to have a constant absense seizure? Thank you!

Answer: I dunno but I have a website that talks about epilepsy. I hope that the website can help with info. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/

Question: my daughter was in status epilepticus for almost two hours, she's not talking now. will she regain her speech? status epilepticus and brain damage

Answer: You took her to a doctor or emergency room i hope? If not, go now.

Question: my dog is facing Status epilepticus with prolonged seizures lasting to 3-4 hrs. Whit shoul i do to controll it

Answer: Seizures in dogs are the most common disease affecting the nervous system. They have a number of causes and not all of them are true epilepsy. It is only when we eliminate all organic causes of seizures that we can label the disease epilepsy, idiopathic epilepsy or primary epilepsy. In epilepsy the root cause of seizures is a defect in nerve transmission within the brain. During an epileptic seizure random impulses are sent from the nerve cells of the brain to muscle tissue throughout the body. In “true� or idiopathic epilepsy the source of these abnormal brain impulses are small areas of abnormal or damaged brain tissue. During a seizure, these tiny areas of abnormal nerves cells or neurons begin sending out electrical impulses that are received by the nerve cells that surround them. This results in a chain reaction in which the surrounding nerve cells are stimulated to fire off a shower of signals of their own to various muscles of the body. These abnormal electrical signals constitute a seizure. When no organic brain lesion can be located that is responsible for the disease, the condition is called idiopathic epilepsy. Cases of idiopathic epilepsy involve a large element of family heredity. It is common for epileptic adults to produce epileptic offspring. When a brain lesion can be identified the condition is called secondary epilepsy. Secondary epilepsy also frequently occurs due to non-brain events that affect the brain such as overheating (hyperthermia), increased intracranial pressure, low blood glucose, intestinal inflammation and major body organ failure. Regardless of cause, witnessing an epileptiform seizure can be very frightening to a pet owner. If your pet suffers from seizures, try to remember that they look much more terrifying than they actually are to the pet. Primary epilepsy is over twenty times as common in dogs as in cats. Among dogs certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, are highly susceptible to the disease. Purebred cats are more susceptible to epilepsy than randomly bred cats. Among dogs, collies, poodles, beagles, keeshunds, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and collies seem more susceptible to the disease. Epileptic seizures in cats tend to be more serious than in dogs. As opposed to dogs, cats usually have an acquired brain lesion or disease that is responsible for their epilepsy. Because many of these causes are progressive, the long-term prognosis for epileptic cats is not nearly as good as it is for dogs. Once common cause of epileptiform seizures that I see in cats is infection with the virus of feline infectious peritonitis. Another cause is infection with toxoplasmosis. Increases in pressure within the brain, liver and kidney disease, low blood sugar, brain tumors, vitamin B-1 deficiency, feline AIDS, rabies, insecticides, antifreeze and migrating parasites account for most of the other cases of epilepsy in cats. During an epileptic seizure the pet looses consciousness. Epileptic seizures have been likened to an electrical storm. The location within cerebral cortex of the brain where these impulses originate and the target tissues of the nerve cell impulses define the type epilepsy that occurs. When a defect within the brain can be identified and is the source of these abnormal impulses we call the condition symptomatic or secondary epilepsy. When the whole body is wracked by severe muscle contractions, the seizures are called grand mal. When epilepsy is less severe and affects fewer muscle groups it is called petite mal. Status epilepticus is a term used to characterize severe seizures that occur again and again with little or no rest between convulsive episodes. Most pets that develop epilepsy have their first seizures between one and five years of age. During a seizure, the pet falls on its side with its legs outstretched and it’s back arched convexly. Most dogs maintain their legs rigidly extended but some paddle as if they were running. Dogs may whine although they are not in pain. They often void their bowels and bladder. Their jaws are clenched during the initial phase of the seizure. If only a portion of the body is affected the seizure is called a focal simple seizure when the dog retains consciousness and focal complex seizures when consciousness is lost. Focal simple seizures often involve the muscles of the face. Some seizures affect portions of the brain that control conscious thought rather than motion. When an area of the brain that controls the conscious process is affected the seizure is called a psychomotor seizure. In humans this form of seizure is called frontal lobe epilepsy. During this altered period of consciousness the pet may show fear, aggression, hyperactivity, repetitive nonsensical behavior, gum chewing or snapping at imaginary insects. Because so many areas of the brain can give rise to epileptic seizures, not two pets exhibit exactly the same signs. In some instances seizures will be a one-time episode never to occur again. In other pets the problem reoccurs at regular intervals of from every several days to several times a year. A Typical Seizure A single seizure event of epilepsy can be broken down into four distinct stages. The first stage is called the prodome, prodromal or warning stage. This stage lasts from several minutes to, in extreme cases, several days prior to the seizure event. During this stage, changes in mood and behavior can be noticed. In people with epilepsy, dogs have been trained to warn their owners during this period that a seizure is eminent. The second stage of an epileptic seizure is called the aura. In humans, this is the first stage at which the person is conscious that a seizure is eminent. In dogs and cats, restlessness, wandering, pacing, licking, trembling, vomiting and vocalization may occur during this stage. The next stage is called ictus. This is the time of the seizure itself when the body is subject to uncontrolled movement and thrashing. During this stage the pet is unconscious. Any vocalization is not due to pain. This is the period when dogs and cats often void their urine and bowels. Paddling or swimming movements, clenched teeth, and arched back are common during this stage. In cases where partial seizures occur, the pet may run in circles, and appear blind or deaf. Partial seizures may amount to no more than a twitching of facial or body musculature or the chewing of imaginary gum. The final stage of an epileptic seizure is called the ictal or postictal stage. This is the stage of gradual recovery. Dogs and cats in the postical stage appear dazed or hung over. They may bump into objects. These pets are exhausted and sleep a lot. They may have a blank expression or appear to stare out into space. When a seizure occurs in a loved pet, owners tend to over-react. Their first inclination is to rush the pet to an emergency veterinary center. Luckily, most epileptic seizures last only a few minutes. One to three minute seizures are most common. Those that last five to ten minutes are less common. Those that last longer than fifteen minutes can become medical emergencies since these pets may have trouble breathing. This is how a seizure typically progresses: The pet will seem perfectly normal when all of the sudden it begins to wobble. It may back up and sit down with its rear legs extended under its stomach. Then the muscles of its face will begin to twitch. The pets teeth can often be heard to chatter. The pet then begins to drool and salivate with its teeth clenched tightly. It will often foam at the mouth and respiration becomes rapid and labored. This is all very scary. But try to remember that your pet is oblivious to what is happening and remembers nothing of the event. As the seizure progresses the pet usually falls over on its side with its limbs extended and its back arched. After a few minutes breathing returns to normal, the body relaxes and the dog again becomes aware of its surroundings. What To Do During A Seizure If your pet or a neighbor’s pet develops a seizure when you are present begin by placing the pet’s head on a soft folded towel or pillow. You may carry the pet in a blanket to a tiled area so as not to soil the carpet or rug. Then remove all objects that surround the pet so it will not injure itself. Do not put your hands into the pet’s mouth or you are very likely to be bitten. It is quite rare for a dog to “swallow� its tongue but if the pet should turn bluish you can use an inverted spoon to manipulate the tongue. If this is not sufficient and the dog is still having difficulty breathing open the mouth by passing two towels through the mouth and pulling on them – one up, one down - to force the mouth open. You can gently stroke and speak calmly and softly to your pet. He will not know you are present until the seizures begin to subside. Keep the room darkened and keep other family members away. You can already position some paper towels and warm soapy water on a wash stand beyond the pet’s reach. When To Start Medicating My Pet? Dogs and cats should receive anti-seizure medications when they have two or more seizures within and 8-week period or two or more cluster seizures within a 12-week period. Dogs and cats that show unusually severe ictal or postictal periods should also begin medication. Medications Used To Treat Epilepsy Several medications are very effective in preventing epileptic seizures in pets: Primadone (Mysoline, Mylepsin, etc.) This old time standby for epilepsy is dispensed in 50 and 250mg tablets. The accepted dose for this drug is 4-5mg/pound body weight two or three times a day. Through blood serum monitoring the final dose should be adjusted to 5-7.5mg/pound three times a day. Phenobarbital Phenobarbital is the most commonly used drug to treat epilepsy in dogs and cats. The initial dose should be 1mg/pound body weight given twice a day. Dose should then be adjus

Question: how much for emergency hospitalisation for a dog with status epilepticus for 4 days including call out sedatio my dog had continuous fits so i called my vet at 10pm and he opened up the surgery,my dog has been there for 3 days and benn monitored blood tested and sedated each time he has another fit,i have him insured i just wanted a ball park idea of how much this is costing.

Answer: It totally depends on the ER vet. It won't be cheap though.Several hundred dollars I expect.

Question: Can you be Conscious during Status Epilepticus?

Answer: No. In a state of status epilepticus there is a generalized and continuous seizure going on, and you can't be conscious and in one at the same time. The brain isn't wired that way.

Question: Can I get Ativan injections for status epilepticus? I have had many grand mal seizures and have NEVER had just one then continued with my day like most people. I will not regain consciousness between them and I have lesions all over my brain. The only way to stop these seizures (tonic clonic apparently) is to be injected with Ativan. This has been an issue for 6 years now and I'm afraid the medic won't get it to me fast enough or I will have severe brain damage from these seizures. I have already had brain surgery to remove lesions but it failed. I am only 23. Has anyone ever been able to get this as an injection much like an epi-pen? Thanks.

Answer: wow! I love you already. cluster seizures suck. I have them too. the ativan is nice but also gives me seizures. is there someone to pop pills in your mouth? they dissolve quick. There is so much you can do for yourself. I am reading a book right now, it is Epilepsy a new approach. I wish I could talk to you more. you are the first person I have had the chance to talk to who has cluster seizures. This is a very serious thing we are dealing with and there is so much you should know. there is so much your doctor does not tell you and so much that you yourself can do. about 7 months ago I had a good bunch of seizures and had my second stroke. it was months before some of the effects went away. like a numb hand for months. anyway you need to do everything you can to get this under control. do you have an aura? what are your triggers. it took 9 years to figure out caffeine sets mine off. get the information, read all you can and please help other people. this is why you are here, to help other people with all you know. how does your EEG look? are you on meds? Have you been blessed with postictal psychosis? I keep ativan in the house and if I have a seizure my wife crams on in my mouth as soon as she can get my mouth open. I found it to be the easiest way so far. shots hurt. paramedics or the ER will almost always give you the shot if you are seizing though. Use this for your benefit though, you have no other choice. If you can find some good out of what you are experiencing life will be totally different for you. please e-mail me anytime sullivanricky76@yahoo.com or spinhead692000@yahoo.com. I would be honored to help you as much as I can and could also use the help of others who have these same experiences. god bless

Question: status epilepticus? besides affecting the muscles that drive respiratory muscles(chest muscles) how can status epilepticus affect the heart muscle as well?

Answer: There are several kinds of status epilepticus depending on where the epileptogenic focus is; i.e. what part (or parts) of the brain are involved. Different kinds affect the heart to differing degrees. The heart is most afffected in those types in which the seizure causes loss of consciousness (complex seizures); also, the longer the duration of the seizure, the more likely the heart tissue is to be damaged. Seizures are classified as generalized (e.g. grand mal, absence) or partial (or focal, e.g. simple motor); and simple (if the patient remains conscious) or complex (if the patient loses consciousness). The heart tissue can be stressed when deprived of oxygen, when the blood pressure gets dangerously high, or when the blood becomes very acidic. All of these can occur during a grand mal seizure (quite common) or during "autonomic status epilepticus" (rare). So, during certain types of long-duration seizures, the heart can be taxed because of high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) and low blood pH (acidosis).

Question: Iams Lamb and Rice dry dog food? I have seen other threads saying this food is bad, but nothing specific as to WHY...I switched to this food about 6 months ago. I got it from a well respected pet center in our area, because it was on special, and $$ is very tight...I thought Iams was a good name and I could trust this food. My dog had epilepsy for five years which was pretty well controlled with medication, he had occasional seizures but was happy and healthy and lively the rest of the time. He was 8. But I noticed him acting more like an old dog over the past six months or so, very creaky-jointed, moving slower, less interested in things, and in the past couple of weeks he vomited a few times, very unlike him. Still, I attributed it to getting older, he didn't seem sick, just more subdued. But then his seizures started coming closer together, and he ended up dying on Aug. 5 of status epilepticus, a seizure that just never ends. I never thought to question his food, but now...?? Did I kill my dog with this food? :-( I knew corn was not good for dogs...I never imagined they would put corn in this food, when it says lamb and rice. I got it from Mounds which is a great pet-centered food seller, they work with the humane society etc. I cannot believe they still put corn in any dog food...I thought I was still buying one of the better brands. I am heartbroken to learn this...I now believe this did lead to his worsening seizures and earlier than necessary death. The timing of when I started feeding this food and when he started acting different just corresponds. I hope they outlaw this $%^#&@!!!

Answer: Please don't blame yourself. I'm sure you did everything to the best of your ability to keep him healthy and give him a good life. As to the Iams products tho, I'm with Shanna on this one. Never had any luck with Iams or Purina products with my animals (due to large amounts of filler/corn/etc) not to mention the increase in defication and gas with both name brands. I've had ours on Eagle Pak for a number of years with great results healthwise. Sorry for your loss.

Question: syndrome of optic atrophy with cataract in childhood? clinical features,prognosis and other associated feature child is 2 nd 1/2 years old.. Her brother died at the age of 3 years with same clinical picture. Presently she is being treated for status epilepticus

Answer: sad story?

Question: Drug addict dies of spanking? On Thursday, 8th March 2007; the police arrested two parents of a dead teenager. The teenager was addicted to cociane and had died of an over-dose. In an autopsy, it turns out that the drug has caused status epilepticus due to an glutaminergic cascade in the brain (which destroys cells due to over-exitation). It was 6 times the dose that is thought to be lethal, but his body has some immunity to the drug. It turns out according to his sister (who was providing him with the cociane), that when he mis-behaved and recieved a spanking; he took cociane as a pain killer before his punishment. He had on averige taken a shot of cocaine about 2-3 times per week, because his parents were very tight about his behaviour. He was threatened by his parents to recieve the biggest spanking in his life, and so he took a massive over-dose. He died 5 hours later. Police had confirmed that there was whip marks on his buttocks! How the hell can this sort of case go un-noticed?

Answer: well...if his parents were like that at least we know why he was on cocaine. The parents are definately to blame for raising a child in fear, whose fear clouded his ability to make good life choices. At least the boy is with God now where those people can't hurt him anymore.

Question: epileptic seizures? status epilepticus means a series of seizures that continue with ceasing. but do you know how this can result in respiratory arrest/hypoxia and death?

Answer: clonic tonic seizures (what used to be called gran mal) cause unconciousness because the muscles are working so hard that the oxygen content of blood drops and the brain shuts down. In status epilepticus, the brain returns to seizing as soon as the person wakes up (as soon as the oxygen level increases enough). If these cycles continue, the physical effort, the lack of oxygen, the build up of lactic acid (from muscles working without adequate oxygen) all start doing damage. Once the diaphram is so tired it can not work the lungs properly and once the heart muscles get too tired to work properly, the victum is in real trouble. My son has been in status epilepticus and it is a very difficult thing to see. In his case, IV valium interupted the seizures.

Question: Looking for a seizure sense dog? I have a son who is about to be 1 with severe epilepsy. At one time his seizures was controlled but now his seizures not and he currently taking Dilantin and Keppra on top of taking Enalapril and Digoxin because he has dilated cardiomyopathy. My son is a preemie and unfortunately he has a few medical problems and under the care of doctors. Its hard because he went into refractory status epilepticus and is currently still in the hospital waiting to be moved out the picu. He is doing alot better they had to put him in a barb induced coma but they been took him out and he woke up like 2 days later. But me and my wife is really trying to find a seizure dog that can sense seizures to help us out some and the doctor pointed us to our local human society which we had no luck and im desperately trying to find one anyone can point me someone that they have them? In Orlando,FL or Miami, FL? Somewhere? Or some place ( Sorry for the typos )

Answer: Most organizations will only place seizure response dogs, not seizure alert dog, although some of them will then go on to become alert dogs. The University of Florida, I think in Gainesville, does a lot of research on dogs, including seizure alert issues. Check out the following resources.