Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is a medical emergency that may be associated with severe neuronal injury. The mortality attributable to GCSE ranges from 3 to 35%. The disorder occurs most frequently in the young and the old extremes of the population. ⋯ More than half the patients will respond to initial treatment. Patients with refractory status epilepticus require a physician with expertise in epilepsy. Treatment options include pentobarbital, high-dose phenobarbital, or inhalation anesthetic agents.