Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of eliciting electroencephalographic burst suppression or electroencephalographic suppression in a patient. the method includes administering to the patient a formulation comprising neurosteroid nanoparticles having a D50 of less than 2 microns and a polymeric surface stabilizer chosen from hydroxyethyl starch, dextran, and povidone and 0.1 to 50 mg of the neurosteroid per 1 kg of the patient's body weight The neurosteroid may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or orally. Continuous intravenous administration and intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or orally administering sequential bolus doses comprising 0.5 mg of ganaxolone per 1 kg of body weight in a human patient, with an interval of less than 30 minutes between two consecutive doses are included in the disclosure.