A sustained generalized seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes is referred to as:

A sustained generalized seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes is described as status epilepticus. This condition is critical because it represents a prolonged seizure activity that can cause significant neurological damage and requires immediate medical intervention. Status epilepticus can manifest either as a continuous seizure or as recurrent seizures without recovery of consciousness between them, heightening its potential danger.

In contrast, other types of seizures such as simple partial seizures involve localized brain activity and do not meet the duration criteria nor the generalization of status epilepticus. The term "prolonged seizure" is not specific to recognized medical terminology and may not adequately convey the urgency associated with seizures lasting beyond the 5-minute threshold. Recurrent seizures also do not necessarily imply the duration of a single episode, but rather a series of seizures over a period of time. Thus, status epilepticus precisely describes the critical nature and duration of the seizure in question.