The Neurocritical Care Society developed evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation and management of status epilepticus (SE). These guidelines aim to provide standardized treatment strategies for critically ill patients. The committee reviewed literature from PubMed and evaluated studies based on specific criteria. Recommendations were developed using standardized methods from the American Heart Association and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, along with expert opinion when data were insufficient. SE requires immediate, targeted treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. The guidelines address the evaluation and management of SE in adults and children, but not in neonates. They cover definitions, classification, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, monitoring, and future directions. Principles apply to both adults and children unless specified otherwise. The methodology involved a PubMed search for articles published through August 2011, using terms like "status epilepticus," "refractory seizures," and "nonconvulsive status epilepticus." Clinical trials, meta-analyses, review articles, and guidelines were eligible for inclusion. Studies with at least five patients were considered. Results were supplemented with literature recommended by the committee or from reference lists. Articles were reviewed by the writing committee, and recommendations were assigned evidence levels based on the American Heart Association guidelines. Diagnosis and management were graded using the GRADE system, which includes four levels of evidence quality: high, moderate, low, and very low. Strong recommendations can be made with weak to moderate evidence based on factors like balance of effects, evidence quality, values and preferences, and costs. All participants agreed with the recommendations. Many management decisions lack prospective randomized trials, so data from published surveys and expert panels were used. Additional citations from important review articles were included at the recommendation of external reviewers. The guidelines aim to provide clear, evidence-based guidance for the acute treatment of SE in critically ill patients.The Neurocritical Care Society developed evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation and management of status epilepticus (SE). These guidelines aim to provide standardized treatment strategies for critically ill patients. The committee reviewed literature from PubMed and evaluated studies based on specific criteria. Recommendations were developed using standardized methods from the American Heart Association and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, along with expert opinion when data were insufficient. SE requires immediate, targeted treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. The guidelines address the evaluation and management of SE in adults and children, but not in neonates. They cover definitions, classification, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, monitoring, and future directions. Principles apply to both adults and children unless specified otherwise. The methodology involved a PubMed search for articles published through August 2011, using terms like "status epilepticus," "refractory seizures," and "nonconvulsive status epilepticus." Clinical trials, meta-analyses, review articles, and guidelines were eligible for inclusion. Studies with at least five patients were considered. Results were supplemented with literature recommended by the committee or from reference lists. Articles were reviewed by the writing committee, and recommendations were assigned evidence levels based on the American Heart Association guidelines. Diagnosis and management were graded using the GRADE system, which includes four levels of evidence quality: high, moderate, low, and very low. Strong recommendations can be made with weak to moderate evidence based on factors like balance of effects, evidence quality, values and preferences, and costs. All participants agreed with the recommendations. Many management decisions lack prospective randomized trials, so data from published surveys and expert panels were used. Additional citations from important review articles were included at the recommendation of external reviewers. The guidelines aim to provide clear, evidence-based guidance for the acute treatment of SE in critically ill patients.