| Abstract: |
In the intensive care unit setting, seizures are a common neurological complication in both medical and post-surgical patients. The primary cause of seizures in the ICU is antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal or noncompliance, followed by alcohol withdrawal. Other etiologies of seizures include stroke, drug toxicities, central nervous system infection, tumor, and metabolic etiologies.Status epilepticus (SE) is defined as a continuous state of seizures, or multiple seizures, without return to baseline, resulting in observable or even subjectively perceived sensory, motor, and/or cognitive dysfunction for at least 30 minutes.The scalp EEG is the definitive diagnostic and monitoring tool for the management of status epilepticus. CT scanning of the brain is typically used in acute seizures to detect bleeding from head injuries and spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage. The use of MRI has allowed recognition of malformations of cortical development.Management of ICU seizures and SE should include emergent medical management, termination of seizures, prevention of recurrence of seizures, and prevention or treatment of complications.Prevention of seizures in critically ill patients is done by proper early management of any cause that predispose to seizure (as electrolyte disturbances, surgical evacuation of cerebral haematomas, treatment of intracerebral infections, treatment of vitamin deficiency......etc).
|
|
|