title: Diagnosis, Etiology, and Treatment of Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus, a Semiological Oriented Review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) defines a prolonged electrographic seizure activity resulting in nonconvulsive symptoms. Semiology is a crucial element in diagnosis, etiological evaluation, and treatment plan of NCSE. It includes mostly generalized myoclonic status (GMS), focal simple motor status (FSMS), and dyscognitive status (DS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review aims to guide clinicians in diagnosis, etiological evaluation, and treatment of patients with NCSE based on semiological presentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosis of GMS and FSMS is based mainly on semiology, whereas DS often requires EEG for differential diagnosis with nonepileptic events. GMS and FSMS etiological investigation may be readily prioritized based on semiological type, whereas DS requires EEG for further classification in psychomotor status and absence status. Choice of appropriate treatment is dictated by the semiological presentation, EEG findings, and etiology. Surgery and other interventions including electroconvulsive therapy and vagal nerve stimulation should be considered in patients refractory to medical treatment.
authors.affiliation: *EEG Unit, Department of Neurology, Luz Saude-Arrabida Hospital and Clipovoa, Póvoa de Varzim †Department of Neurology, Braga Hospital, Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Beleza
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pinho
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*