Seizures in the Intensive Care Unit

Early recognition and treatment of seizures in critically ill patients remains an essential factor for a favorable outcome. In this chapter, we review common electroencephalographic patterns and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of seizures and status epilepticus (SE) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most seizures are nonconvulsive in nature. In critically ill patients with altered mental status, nonconvulsive seizures (NCSs) should be suspected early and screened with an electroencephalogram (EEG). Adequate EEG interpretation should be performed by a trained electroencephalographer to guide treatment decisions.