[Therapeutic problems in status epilepticus (author's transl)].

A review is given of the present state of knowledge and current concepts of the causative factors involved in, and the pathological mechanisms underlying status epilepticus. A synopsis of the commonly-applied therapeutic methods is presented. A step-wise therapeutic procedure is advised for the different stages of status epilepticus. Treatment is directed towards a lowering of cerebral excitability (hydantoin, diazepam), the prevention of brain oedema (osmotherapy, positive pressure respiration) and the avoidance of the development of secondary complications (antibiotics, intensive care). In every case the requisite investigations should be undertaken in order to clarify the aetiology.