What is a seizure that lasts more than five minutes called?

A seizure that lasts more than five minutes is termed status epilepticus. This condition is a medical emergency, as prolonged seizures can lead to significant neurological damage and require immediate treatment to terminate the seizure activity and stabilize the patient.

Status epilepticus can occur with both generalized tonic-clonic seizures and certain types of partial seizures. It represents a critical state where the brain is in a prolonged seizure, which can result in hypoxia and metabolic disturbances. Timely intervention is crucial, often involving the use of benzodiazepines and other anticonvulsant medications to halt the seizure activity.

The other terms listed, such as partial seizures, generalized seizures, and myoclonic seizures, refer to different categories or types of seizure activity but do not specifically denote prolonged seizures as in status epilepticus. Each type has distinct characteristics and implications for treatment, but none describe the critical and sustained nature of status epilepticus.