Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency with a mortality rate of 20–30%.[1] SE can have long-term consequences such as neuronal death, neuronal injury, and alteration of neuronal networks.[2] Severe neurological or cognitive sequelae have been reported in 11–16% of survivors.[3] The annual direct inpatient cost of SE is estimated to be over $4 billion in the United States.[4]

There is an estimated global incidence of 12.6 episodes of SE per 100,000 person-years.[5] However, it is worth noting that the definition of the clinical and electrographic findings consistent with SE have changed over time and can vary depending on which definition is being used. Additionally, there are multiple different semiologies of SE. The most commonly accepted definition for convulsive SE is either 5 minutes or more of continuous seizure activity or two or more discrete seizures between which there is incomplete recovery of consciousness.[6]