toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Status epilepticus

Status epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a prolonged seizure that can cause brain damage and sometimes death. Head injury, drug overdose or withdrawal, stroke, brain tumor, infection, or seizure disorders are common causes of status epilepticus.

It occurs when:

  • A seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
  • Two or more seizures occur in rapid succession (one right after the other) during a 30-minute period and the person does not fully regain consciousness. (These seizures may look like one long seizure.)

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.