The goal of this study is to improve the prognosis of patients who present with Status Epilepticus (SE). In the first part of this study, the investigators aim to find better markers of good and poor outcomes of SE patients while in the ICU. The objective is to measure the levels of brain protein micro-particles that are detectable in blood samples. The investigators seek to determine whether elevated levels of micro-particles in the bloodstream in SE patients can be used to predict the eventual outcome of survivors. The goal of the second part of the study is to evaluate long-term cognitive outcomes in survivors of SE To date, there is no reliable information to inform what cognitive recovery is like for survivors of SE after ICU discharge. The objective is to use the Creyos cognitive testing platform to assess different domains of cognitive function for up to 1 year after SE onset. Patients who have pre-existing epilepsy but have not had status epilepticus will serve as patient controls for the cognitive testing portion of this study. The third part of this study will evaluate brain changes in survivors of refractory SE. To date, there are no known studies that document to what extent the anatomy of the brain changes following SE. The objective is to characterize these changes by conducting two brain research scans 6 months apart. Patients will be invited to Robart\'s Research Institute for a scan 1-3 months and 6-8 months (6 months apart) after refractory SE to measure structural and functional changes in the brain throughout the recovery process.
18 to 80 years of age
SE requiring admission to critical care
Developed SE while in ICU
No history of a neurologic condition, other than epilepsy, that would impact cognition (Dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease)
patients not meeting inclusion criteria
acute brain injury or brain tumour as immediate cause of status epilepticus