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Clinical practice: the treatment of acute convulsive seizures in children

Lieven Lagae1

  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium. lieven.lagae@uzleuven.be

European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Prompt treatment of prolonged seizures with benzodiazepines is vital to prevent brain damage. Buccal administration offers an effective and easy option for pre-hospital care, improving outcomes for children with epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Early treatment of prolonged convulsive seizures is critical to minimize morbidity, especially brain damage.
  • Benzodiazepines are the standard of care for pre-hospital seizure management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of a standardized policy for the early treatment of convulsive seizures in children.
  • To highlight preferred routes of benzodiazepine administration in pre-hospital settings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current practices and efficacy of benzodiazepine administration for convulsive seizures.
  • Comparison of rectal diazepam with intranasal/oral midazolam and lorazepam.
  • Evaluation of the buccal route for ease of use and efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Buccal administration of benzodiazepines is preferred due to its ease of use and high efficacy.
  • Midazolam and lorazepam are increasingly used intranasally or orally, supplementing traditional rectal diazepam.
  • A universally accepted policy for early seizure treatment is essential.

Conclusions:

  • Implementing a clear policy for early convulsive seizure treatment is crucial for children with epilepsy.
  • Parental and caregiver education on seizure management is a vital component of the overall treatment plan.

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