In the context of status epilepticus, what is the function of benzodiazepines?

In the context of status epilepticus, benzodiazepines are primarily used to break seizure activity. They achieve this by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, leading to increased inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. This rapid action helps to stop ongoing seizures and stabilize the patient, making benzodiazepines an essential first-line treatment in acute seizure management.

While benzodiazepines can have some sedative effects, their primary role in this emergency setting is not to induce unconsciousness but rather to terminate the seizure activity effectively. They do not have a long-term effect on preventing seizures, making them less suitable for the prevention of future seizures, and they certainly do not increase seizure duration, as that would be counterproductive to their purpose.