What is the best definition of status epilepticus?

• A. A single seizure lasting more than five minutes
• B. A series of seizures with brief intervals of consciousness
• C. A series of repetitive seizures during which the patient does not regain consciousness
• D. Seizures caused by fever in children

Answer: (C)

Status epilepticus is a state of ongoing or closely recurring seizures with no meaningful recovery of consciousness between episodes. The best description captures both the persistence of seizure activity and the lack of full neurologic recovery between events. A single seizure lasting more than five minutes is concerning and often treated as status, but the defining element is continuous or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness. Seizures that occur with only brief periods of consciousness between them do not fit this definition, and febrile seizures are a different, typically benign, pediatric condition.