19/07/2026
Refractory status epilepticus is defined as failure to respond to a benzodiazepine and one appropriate second-line antiseizure medication.
The first-line treatment for status epilepticus is a benzodiazepine. In the prehospital setting, re**al diazepam or buccal midazolam is commonly used.
In the hospital, intravenous lorazepam is generally the drug of choice and may be repeated once after 5–10 minutes if seizures continue.
If seizures persist, a second-line antiseizure medication should be given, such as levetiracetam, phenytoin, or sodium valproate. Levetiracetam is generally preferred.
If seizures continue despite these treatments, the patient has refractory status epilepticus. The next step is admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), induction of general anaesthesia, and continuous EEG monitoring.