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Status epilepticus

What is status epilepticus?

A person's seizures usually last the same length of time each time they happen and stop by themselves. However, sometimes seizures do not stop or one seizure follows another without the person recovering in between. If this goes on for 5 minutes or more it is called status epilepticus or ‘status’.

What to do if someone goes into status epilepticus

Status is not common, but it can happen in any type of seizure and the person may need to see a doctor. Status in a tonic clonic (convulsive) seizure is a medical emergency and the person will need urgent medical help.

Taken from our First aid leaflet. Order this leaflet from our online shop as part of our 'first five free' offer, or download the pdf using the link below.