Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is a neurocritical emergency, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The precise pathophysiology is still not completely understood. The likelihood of spontaneous seizure termination reduces with time, and it is of paramount importance to abort status in order to prevent permanent long-term neurological sequelae and death. A few neuroprotective strategies, such as general anaesthesia, steroids, ketogenic diet and hypothermia, have been used to treat SRSE, however, the clinical outcome remains inconclusive. We herein present two cases of SRSE, which were successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after failing all pharmacological measures.
Keywords: electroconvulsive therapy; epilepsy; status epilepticus.