Levetiracetam for the treatment of status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common, severe neurological disorder, and prolonged seizures in SE may result in irreversible brain damage in association with high disability and mortality rates. Thus, termination of seizures as soon as possible is vital for the successful treatment of this disease. Levetiracetam, a new broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug, can be used to rapidly and effectively control SE episodes with few side effects. Thus, an understanding of the use of this drug to treat SE will help clinicians to more effectively control SE and improve patient prognosis.