Seizures and seizure-like states in the child: an approach to emergency management.

A practical approach to the emergency management of seizures and seizure-like nonepileptic states in childhood has been presented. The management of tonic-clonic, absence, partial complex, and focal status epilepticus was discussed. Management of the child who has had a recent episode but does not present with a seizure was outlined, with particular attention to relevant history taking, general and neurologic examinations, laboratory tests, and treatment options. Finally, seizure-like nonepileptic disorders were reviewed and differential diagnostic points highlighted.