New onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a rare, devastating condition of prolonged seizures that strikes from out of the blue and does not respond to standard anti-seizure medications. Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a subcategory of NORSE in which there is a prior febrile infection (fever) between 2 weeks and 24 hours prior to the onset of the refractory seizures. NORSE affects primarily healthy young adults and children with no history of epilepsy. It is rare, affecting 1 in 1 million, and results in significant mortality and morbidity, including the development of epilepsy. About half the cases are cryptogenic (without identifiable cause.)

For more information about NORSE and FIRES, go to: https://www.norseinstitute.org/