Status Epilepticus with Dr. Manette Ness-Cochinwala and Dr. Anuj Jayakar
Oct 17, 2021
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Dr. Manette Ness-Cochinwala and Dr. Anuj Jayakar discuss status epilepticus, its complications, and treatment strategies. Topics include the importance of early recognition, EEG monitoring for high-risk patients, future advancements in treatment options, and the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Early recognition and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing morbidity in status epilepticus.
Continuous EEG monitoring plays a significant role in detecting and managing seizures, optimizing medication dosing, and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Deep dives
The importance of early recognition and treatment of status epilepticus
Status epilepticus is a common condition that leads to hospitalization, especially in the ICU. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing morbidity. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes are classified as status epilepticus. Treatment usually begins with benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or diazepam, followed by second-line agents like keppra, fosphenytoin, or valproic acid. If these treatments fail, sedative drips like midazolam may be used. Continuous EEG monitoring is essential for detecting and managing seizures, providing valuable information for adjusting medications. Future developments include the use of new technologies for quicker EEG application and the study of adjunct medications and the ketogenic diet for refractory status epilepticus. Timely intervention is crucial to stop seizures and prevent further brain damage.
Considerations for patient care in status epilepticus
In the management of status epilepticus, it is important to ensure patient safety and provide immediate treatment. In the ICU, monitoring ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) is vital, and IV access should be established for medication administration. Hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances, and fevers should be promptly addressed. Dosing guidelines should be followed for benzodiazepines and subsequent anti-seizure medications. Continuous EEG monitoring is beneficial for detecting seizures and guiding management decisions. Patient care should include regular neuro-exams, close monitoring of respiratory function, and blood pressure management. Collaboration with neurologists and neurointensivists is crucial in optimizing treatment strategies.
The role of continuous EEG monitoring in status epilepticus
Continuous EEG monitoring plays a significant role in the management of status epilepticus. EEGs help detect seizures, especially in cases of refractory or non-convulsive status epilepticus where clinical symptoms may be subtle or absent. Continuous EEG is essential for optimizing anti-seizure medication dosing, monitoring for subclinical seizures, and adjusting treatment plans as needed. While spot EEGs can provide some benefit, continuous EEG offers higher sensitivity and specificity in seizure detection. Institutions have varying approaches to EEG monitoring, ranging from daily to continuous monitoring depending on patient risk factors and available resources. Ongoing advancements in technology may lead to more efficient and accessible EEG monitoring methods.
Advancements and future directions in status epilepticus management
Ongoing research and advancements are shaping the management of status epilepticus. New anti-seizure medications, such as levetiracetam and brivaracetam, are being explored as second-line agents. Adjunct medications like neurosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs are being studied for their potential in refractory status epilepticus cases. The ketogenic diet has shown promise in addressing super refractory status epilepticus. Rapid EEG application technologies and digital analysis software offer hope for quicker EEG detection and diagnosis. Individual institutions may develop their own protocols for sedative drips, aiming to suppress epileptic activity. Epilepsy surgery is being considered in select cases of super refractory status epilepticus. Timely and effective management of status epilepticus remains a key focus for improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Manette Ness-Cochinwala is a Pediatric Intensivist at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson in NJ. Dr. Ness-Cochinwala completed her Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. She is interested in medical education and data science research.
Dr. Anuj Jayakar is a neurointensivist and the Director of Neurocritical Care at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Dr Jayakar completed his pediatric residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and his neurology residency and epilepsy fellowship at Boston Children’s.
Learning Objectives:
After listening to this podcast, learners should be able to:
Define status epilepticus, its pathophysiology and its complications.
Know the initial and advanced treatment strategies for status epilepticus.
Define which patients are at higher risk of nonconvulsive status epilepticus and require continuous EEG monitoring.
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Thank you for listening to this episode of PedsCrit. Please remember that all content during this episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used as medical advice. The views expressed during this episode by hosts and our guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of their institutions. If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback-you can email us at pedscritpodcast@gmail.com. Check out http://www.pedscrit.comfor detailed show notes. And visit @critpeds on twitter and @pedscrit on instagram for real time show updates.
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