Status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency. Recent experimental studies have shown that permanent brain damage can occur after only 60 minutes of uncontrolled seizure activity. Cardiac arrhythmias are a common cause of death. Other complications include rhabdomyolysis, acute tubular necrosis and neurogenic pulmonary edema. Management is divided into three phases: stabilization of the patient, termination of the seizures and diagnostic evaluation.