AboutSophia, R.N., M.S. Expertise Almost any questions pertaining to epilepsy, seizures, pseudo-seizures, testing for epilepsy, medications, surgery. Self-care, appropriate emergency measures, medication side-effects, drug interactions etc.
Experience Working as an epilepsy nurse clinican in a large comprehensive epilepsy center for 15 years. Previous employment with a major pharmaceutical company working in pharmaceutical research. Before that - varied experience in nursing.
Expert: Sophia, R.N., M.S. Date: 6/2/2008 Subject: complex partial status seizures
Question Good Morning Sophia,
I had written to you a little over a month ago about my husband having seizures for 8 hours straight. You explained to me that it was dangerous not to seek medical attention for that situation. Yesterday it happened again and we went to the hospital. Of course the doctor there was not a seizure specialist, but he said that it is very rare to have status seizures that are complex partial. He also stated that there is not much danger in that type of seizure, I am wondering if you could tell me any more about this situation.
Thank you!
Susan
Answer Hi Susan,
Yes, status with generalized seizures are far more common and far more dangerous. That said, partial seizures may begin partial, but they often become generalized. It would be impossible to know without having an EEG running if they had generalized. In my opinion, any seizure that lasts for more than a few minutes can be considered dangerous.
Has your husband been reevaluated recently. He may require a change or an increase in his medications. Certainly, long lasting seizures should be controlled.
Good luck, Susan.
Sophia
