High-dose thiopental in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus in intensive care unit.

The authors studied prospectively the effects of thiopental anesthesia on seizure control, hemodynamics, and the course of intensive care in 10 patients with refractory status epilepticus. Clinical and electrophysiological seizures were terminated in every patient. Hemodynamically, thiopental was well tolerated, but slow recovery from anesthesia prolonged the need for intensive care.