PANCE Neurology Practice Test

Status epilepticus is urgent, ongoing brain seizure activity. It’s defined clinically as a seizure lasting five minutes or longer, or two or more seizures without full recovery of consciousness between them. That definition captures both a single prolonged event and repeated events with persistent impairment, which is why this statement is the best choice.

In practice, recognizing this threshold triggers immediate treatment: start a rapid benzodiazepine to stop the seizure; if it continues, move to second-line IV antiseizure medications such as phenytoin/fosphenytoin, valproate, or levetiracetam. If seizures persist despite two appropriately dosed agents, escalate to refractory status with anesthetic infusions and airway/ventilation support. The other options aren’t correct because management isn’t limited to benzodiazepines, IV therapy is often required, and valproic acid is indeed used in treatment.