title: Pediatric status epilepticus: identification and evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Status epilepticus is an acute neurologic emergency, the incidence of which is increasing in the United States as the definition evolves and our detection abilities improve. We will present the current definition of status epilepticus, including a recently modified operational definition for use in the clinical setting. We will also provide updates on identifying children in status epilepticus, etiologic considerations, and the rationale for diagnostic testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent data reveal the benefits of MRI vs. computed tomography in new-onset status epilepticus, as well as high rates of identification of electrographic seizures in patients with unexplained acute encephalopathy in pediatric ICU settings. Genetic testing should be considered in young children with recurrent status epilepticus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prompt recognition and diagnostic evaluation of the child in status epilepticus will help identify causes, which may require specific treatment, and help in the management of this life-threatening condition. Laboratory work, neuroimaging, electroencephalogram or continuous video electroencephalogram, lumbar puncture, and genetic testing may be considered in the evaluation of the child in status epilepticus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
authors.forename: Emily R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Freilich
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.forename: Tesfaye
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zelleke
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Gaillard
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States