Objective To clarify the clinical feature of complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) in children. Methods The clinical and EEG manifestations and the treatment with antiepileptic drugs in 17 patients suffering from CPSE were analyzed. Results The age of the onset of symptoms ranged from 3 to 12 years. The clinical attacks lasted a variable time from 1 hour to more than 3 weeks. Definite medical causes were identified in 78% of the patients. Each patient had a prolonged change of consciousness, accompanied by psychological and behavioral changes. The characteristics of ictal EEG in CPSE patients generally included slow activity and δ or θ activity in the temporal region. After antiepileptic drug treatment, the conditions of 11 patients were under complete control, 4 patients had no CPSE but complex partial seizures, and 2 patients had no improvement. Conclusions CPSE may present with confusion, behavioral disturbances and psychiatric conditions. The diagnosis can be made by the ictal or interictal EEG. It is necessary to make the diagnosis and control the seizures as early as possible.