A rapid course through the five electrographic stages of status epilepticus.

A 54-year-old woman was transferred to a university hospital for severe sepsis and multiorgan failure. A complex partial seizure was noted and she was placed on continuous electroencephalography (EEG). During EEG monitoring she developed generalized convulsive status epilepticus. After consultation with family it was decided not to escalate treatment due to her overall medical condition. She proceeded sequentially through the five stages of status epilepticus, described by Treiman et al. (1990) over 22 h and 30 min and then developed electrocerebral silence. This case is significant in that it is the first report of a single individual experiencing all five stages of status epilepticus displayed on a continuous EEG. The case further demonstrates the rapid progression of status epilepticus and exemplifies the need for prompt treatment. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.