Seizures in the ICU – Part 4
Status epilepticus has several cellular manifestations that cause damage to the surrounding brain tissue secondary to the opening of ion channels coupled to excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors. These include:
1. Increased swelling of neurons secondary to increased intracellular osmolality
2. Generation of toxic concentrations of intracellular free calcium
3. Activation of autolytic enzyme systems
4. Phosphorylation of enzyme systems, making further seizures more likely
5. Production of oxygen free radicals
6. Activation of autolytic enzyme systems
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