Importance of early recognition and treatment of generalised convulsive status epilepticus

Lorazepam is the best drug for the initial treatment of GCSE because it is effective and easy to use.3 Prehospital treatment is effective at stopping SE in many cases before arrival at the accident and emergency unit and reduces the risk of cardiorespiratory complications compared with placebo-treated patients.4 The results of experiments in animals tell us that the longer SE persists, the more difficult it is to stop,5-7 and similar observations have been reported in human beings.3 This emphasises the need for immediate and vigorous treatment to prevent long-term morbidity.