Management of status epilepticus

Must maintain airway and vital signs, then determine what must be done for therapy. Many people wonder why Valium isn’t the preferred agent anymore…



It turns out that i.v. lorazepam is generally enough to control the seizure, but if it continues you must proceed to i.v. Fosphenytoin (a dilantin derivative), then i.v. Phenobarbital, then admit to the ICU and start Midazolam anesthesis or Propofol.



You must distinguish status epilepticus from a grand or petit mal seizure. The primary way to do this is to see if the seizure subsides after about a minute. If it does stop, the pt may be depressed and or embarrassed about his or her condition. If it doesn’t stop, begin treatment for status epilepticus.

Category: Pharmacology Notes