Which statement best defines status epilepticus?

• A. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes.
• B. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or consecutive seizures without full recovery of consciousness.
• C. A single brief seizure lasting less than 1 minute.
• D. A seizure that occurs only with fever.

Answer: (B)

Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, or a series of seizures in which the person does not fully regain consciousness between events. This distinction matters because ongoing or rapidly repeating seizures cause continuous brain hyperactivity, increasing the risk of hypoxia, metabolic problems, and potential neuronal injury, so urgent treatment is required to stop the seizure. A single seizure that lasts less than five minutes typically terminates on its own with the person regaining baseline consciousness, and a seizure occurring only with fever is usually a febrile seizure, not status epilepticus unless it meets the duration or recurrence criteria.