Intravenous midazolam suppression of pentylenetetrazol-induced epileptogenic activity in a porcine model

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are a neurologic emergency. Duration of ictal activity has been associated with neurologic sequelae. The purpose of this study was to determine if midazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, could effectively ablate ictal activity in an animal model without significant cardiorespiratory compromise. Ten domestic swine (10 to 20 kg) were ventilated and hemodynamically monitored. Bifrontal craniotomies were performed and electrocortical activity was recorded throughout the experiment. Pentylenetetrazol (100 mg/kg) was administered iv to induce seizures. Midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) was administered iv and serum levels were drawn at 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after administration. There was no significant difference between the baseline and postmidazolam vital signs. Seizure activity was seen periodically as generalized spikes, as well as individual spikes for 29 +/- 5 sec after midazolam administration. A period of attenuation of 24 +/- 7 sec was seen before returning to baseline electrocortical activity. Our study demonstrates that midazolam effectively ablated induced ictal activity without significant cardiorespiratory depression and with similar EEG effect as other benzodiazepines.